The following is a statement I issued regarding Allen Family Foods, a global exporter of poultry products based out of Seaford, Delaware, that has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Allen Family foods Inc., a 92 year old Delmarva poultry producer, made the announcement late last week. In response to the numerous constituent inquiries, I issued the following statement, “The Delmarva poultry industry has already been adversely affected by the economic recession, and the bankruptcy of Allen Foods will only hurt the industry even more. Since Allen has long been a major employer on the Eastern Shore, the company’s bankruptcy will cause many Shore residents to lose their jobs. Unfortunately, two other prominent poultry companies on Delmarva, Perdue and Mountaire, have indicated that they will not assume possession of any chicken houses north of US Route 301. In response, I have offered my assistance by contacting the Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Earl “Buddy” Hance, who is currently working to address the situation, and Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian Johansson. I intend to continue to work closely with both departments to help lessen the devastating economic blow that the closure of Allen Foods will have on our area."
