Smithfield Urges Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccine to Ag Workers

Smithfield Foods urged government leaders to prioritize COVID-19 vaccine distribution to food and agriculture workers alongside the nation’s healthcare workers and other first responders. In a letter sent to local, state and federal leaders on Wednesday, Smithfield also called for the establishment of an Inter-Agency Commission for the Continuity of America’s Food Supply.

Despite mainstream media reports, Smithfield said their company acted responsibly throughout the evolving pandemic.

“For our part, we have incurred incremental expenses related to COVID-19 totaling over $500 million to date to protect our employees and keep America fed,” Smithfield wrote. “We have done everything we can, as fast as we can. But, too often, we have stood in the trench alone, without the benefit of a coordinated governmental response based on a sober appreciation for the facts and realities associated with our food and agriculture sector.”

Prioritize COVID-19 Vaccine for Food and Agriculture Workers
Although a vaccine appears to be forthcoming, COVID-19 remains a part of the landscape heading into the fall. 

“While our nation’s food supply chain has shown amazing resilience during these extraordinary times, it is also clear vulnerabilities persist that must be addressed proactively,” Smithfield wrote. 

As the country enters the eighth month of the pandemic, Smithfield said it continues to plan for what’s ahead. 

“Food and agriculture workers are heroes. They have been on the frontlines of the pandemic, ensuring Americans have access to safe, nutritious and affordable food, and they should be at the front of the line for a COVID-19 vaccine as well,” Smithfield wrote. 

The company noted many of these workers are also minorities who, throughout our country, have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. 

“This prioritization will ensure that our employees remain as healthy and safe as possible so that Americans continue to have food,” Smithfield wrote.

An Inter-Agency Commission for the Continuity of America’s Food Supply
The company recommended the development of an Inter-Agency Commission for the Continuity of America’s Food Supply. According to the letter, the commission should be comprised of representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the White House, state government and industry participants. 

“A broad bipartisan coalition must unite to support the critical food and agriculture sector. It is disappointing those alliances have not widely materialized,” Smithfield wrote. “To date, we have largely undertaken these efforts alone. But it is not too late. The pandemic is not over.”
 

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