COVID-19 Hits Food Industry: BBC

Economic shutdowns worldwide aim to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, yet disrupt food industry supply chains. The challenges include both shortages and waste as market demand shifts from large institutions, resorts, hotels and restaurants to households. Many businesses cannot quickly redirect or repackage supplies for household use, and producers discard perishable goods with a short shelf life. “Dairy Farmers of America, the country's biggest dairy co-operative, is estimating that farmers are having to dump 3.7 million gallons (14 million litres) of milk every single day because of disrupted supply routes,” reports BBC News. “Self-isolation and social distancing guidelines are reportedly slowing picking efforts in places, and national lockdowns are disrupting the usual international flow of labour across the industry.” Another report described one chicken producer destroying 750,000 unhatched eggs. Labor shortages interfere with spring harvests, and Germany lifted restrictions for Polish and Romanian pickers. Some meat-packing plants and other factories closed after crews report COVID-19 symptoms. Finally, tea planters in India report the first Darjeeling crop was discarded. – YaleGlobal