Delegating Authority Under the Defense Production Act With Respect to Food Supply Chain Resources During the National Emergency Caused by the Outbreak of COVID- 19
Headline: Delegates Defense Production Act Authority to Protect Meat and Poultry Supply
What it does: The order directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use Defense Production Act authority to keep meat and poultry processors operating consistent with public health and worker safety guidance.
- Can require meat and poultry plants to continue operating during the COVID-19 emergency.
- May result in federal orders and new rules affecting processing facility operations and supplies.
- Aims to prevent large drops in grocery store protein supplies for consumers.
Summary
This order gives the Secretary of Agriculture emergency authority under the Defense Production Act to keep meat and poultry processors operating during the COVID-19 national emergency. It allows the secretary to require performance of contracts, allocate materials and services, and issue orders and rules to protect the food supply.
The actions affect meat and poultry plants, their workers, grocery supply chains, and Americans who rely on protein. The goal is to prevent large disruptions to the national meat and poultry supply and to follow public health and worker safety guidance.
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