ATLANTA – During the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo, the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) honored Jim Sumner, president and chief executive officer of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), with its Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated years of extraordinary dedication and leadership in the poultry industry.   

Sumner has served in his current role since 1990, as well as been the president of the International Poultry Council since 2005. He has also been a member of the US Department of Agriculture’s Policy Advisory Committee for many years, as well as serving as an export advisor with the American Egg Board and chairman of the Trade and Executive Committees of the International Egg Commission. Sumner plans to retire from USAPEEC in June 2022 but will continue with the organization in an advisory role and will maintain his roles with IPC and working with the World Poultry Federation.

“The connecting ties and friendship between Jim, USAPEEC and USPOULTRY are long and deep,” said John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY. “It is a privilege to work with Jim, and we are honored to present this award.”