(NCBA) — In response to the ongoing efforts to provide relief to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued the following statement: “As the country reels both economically and emotionally from the spread of COVID-19, NCBA has been hard at work ensuring that cattle producers remain able to focus on the national …
Government Guidance Recognizing U.S. Agriculture as Critical Industry
(NPPC) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidance on critical industry workforce that should continue as the country addresses and responds to the coronavirus outbreak; U.S. food and agriculture was included among 16 critical industries. Specifically, DHS recognized as essential a variety of pork production roles. Among these critical workers: Food manufacturer employees and their supplier employees—to include those employed …
Additional Guidance from FDACS Regarding COVID-19
(FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is issuing additional guidance regarding COVID-19 for the agriculture industry, consumers, and regulated industries. “As COVID-19 further sweeps across our state, I want to remind Floridians that our food supply is safe, our agricultural industry is strong, and we’re going to get through this together,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “We are …
FFAA — Business as Near Normal as We Can Make It
(FFAA) — FFAA is working closely with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and others to ensure the agchem and grower supply chains are prioritized and deemed essential services. As of an 11:30 a.m. call on Wednesday, March 18, FDACS activities are proceeding as near normally as possible. Consideration is being given to extensions of expiring licenses and …
Commissioner Rick Pate on Alabama Agriculture Food Supply Chain
(ADAI) — Since Governor Kay Ivey’s statement on March 15, 2020 on the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has continued to fulfill our regulatory responsibilities and redirected our 350 employees to work from home as needed. “Our duty is to protect food safety, ensure animal health, permit the movement of plants and the use of …
Perdue: Food Supply System Remains Strong
With many across the country concerned about the spread of the COVID-19, various actions by the U.S. Government are being taken during this National Emergency in order to enact measures to ensure Americans are safe, secure, and healthy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes they continue to be open for business to provide services to the American people. Agriculture Secretary Sonny …
Farm Bureau Highlights Immediate Challenges Facing the Agriculture Sector
(AFBF) — American Farm Bureau has released its first assessment of the impact on farmers and ranchers in the wake of the national mitigation efforts to combat COVID-19. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, AFBF President Zippy Duvall pledged that “America’s farmers and ranchers will be with you every step of the way, doing all that we …
USDA Ensures Food Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ensuring the safety and timely delivery of the U.S. food supply while protecting the health of USDA employees during this COVID-19 National Emergency. USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach and USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears sent a letter to stakeholders reassuring them that APHIS, AMS, …
U.S. Agriculture Focused on Stable Food Supply, Farm Labor Worries Grow
(AFBF) — U.S. agriculture is working diligently to maintain the stability of our food supply as concerns over COVID-19 lead to increased consumer purchases of groceries and other items. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall about the commitment of farmers and ranchers, as well as a serious concern related to the U.S. …
Alabama Extension Continues to Serve During Coronavirus
(ACES) — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has temporarily closed its county and state offices in response to coronavirus control protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this time, Extension follows guidance from Alabama A&M and Auburn universities, the two parent universities of the agency. “In light of recent developments surrounding the spread of COVID-19, it has …