U.S. poultry exports set a record for the first quarter of 2012. That’s not only good news for Georgia’s poultry industry, it’s a boost for the port of Savannah.

Mike Giles, president of the Georgia Poultry Federation, says 2011 was the worst year poultry farms and processors have ever experienced because corn prices were up, while prices for chicken were down.

He says they are happy to see markets improving.

“The price that we’re receiving in the marketplace has improved and having an international demand for your product is very helpful.”

The port of Savannah is the largest exporter of poultry in the nation. Curtis Foltz, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority, says poultry exports are up 25 percent over this time last year.

“Many of the developing countries around the world are starting to improve the quality of the standard of their living and that translates into more and more protein for personal consumption. And Georgia poultry is a great source of that protein.”

He also credits the record exports to a reduction in the barriers to exporting.

Georgia is the largest chicken producer in the U.S.

Tags: Georgia Ports Authority, Curtis Foltz, Port of Savannah, poultry exports, Georgia Poultry Federation, Mike Giles