Iowa Governor Culver Calls On Chinese Officials To Reverse Iowa Pork Import Ban

May 7, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver today sent the following letter to China’s Ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong calling on Chinese Officials to allow for the importation of Iowa pork. The letter comes one day after China announced that it would no longer accept pork exports from Iowa over concerns of H1N1 influenza, though health officials both in the United States and across the globe have repeatedly said that eating pork is safe, and that one cannot contract the H1N1 virus from meat.

Below is the text of the letter sent to Ambassador Zhou:

Dear Ambassador Zhou,

As you know, Iowa and China have had a long-standing trade and cultural relationship. Last year, we celebrated together the 25th anniversary of our partnership with our Sister State, Hebei. In addition, as a sign of our strengthening economic ties, I had the opportunity to visit China in 2008, and officially open our state office in Beijing.

Pork products are some of Iowa’s most important exports. Iowa's pork producers are the best and most efficient in the world. Our state takes pride in providing the world – including China -- a safe and reliable source of food and nutrition, and the people of China have come to rely on Iowa pork for its outstanding quality and safety.

This is why I was surprised and disappointed to learn that Chinese officials took the hasty and unfortunate step of banning the import of Iowa pork after the discovery of H1N1 influenza in Iowa. At every level since concerns over the flu arose, scientists and agricultural experts have agreed on one fact – there has been no connection between this strain of the flu and our food supply, and that Iowa pork is safe.

Now is our opportunity to remedy this situation before any more undue damage is done to the producers and processors of Iowa and the food supply for the people of China. That is why I respectfully request the Chinese government to reverse their decision and allow the import of Iowa pork.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Chester J. Culver
Governor

Source: Iowa Governor