US companies reported on 3 September that the first shiploads of poultry bound for Russian ports have departed or are being readied for shipment this week, according to NWA Online.

The shipments are the first delivering US processed chicken and other poultry to Russia since January. Russia essentially barred US chicken in January by slashing the allowable amount of chlorine producers can use to disinfect the meat.

Springdale-based Tyson Foods Inc. spokesman, Gary Mickelson, said that the first shipment of poultry bound for Russia was loaded on 2 September. The company has five plants that are eligible to export to the Russia and is working to qualify more plants.

In a press release, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation said it was to resume export shipments to Russia on 4 September after the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) finalised certificates that must accompany the shipments.

Pilgrim's has four Russia-approved processing plants that are currently packing product for Russia. Those plants are located in Boaz, and Russellville in Alabama, Athens in Georgia and Dallas, Texas. The company said it expected shipments to Russia to begin loading at US ports on 4 September.

Don Jackson, Pilgrim's president and chief executive, commented: "Demand from Russia is very strong. We have sold out our entire Russian-approved production for the next 30 days and prices have continued to strengthen. Russia is an important export market for US chicken and the re-opening of the borders will be a significant benefit to our company and industry."