The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in a release on March 24 that “it intends to temporarily not enforce certain requirements in order to allow veterinarians to better utilize telemedicine to address animal health needs during the pandemic.” To help answer questions on the temporary guidance for veterinarians and producers, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners,

A letter signed by dozens of agricultural associations and coalitions including NCBA, was sent to Governors and state officials asking states “to increase truck weights on all U.S. highways and Federal Interstate Highways in your state to a minimum of 88,000 pounds—while respecting bridge and posted seasonal or special road and/or local limitations.” The letter

While some international borders have been closed (e.g. Canada/US, US/Mexico) and some states have acted to limit travel in-and-out of those states, essential services such as agricultural products are exempt and thus permitted to travel despite such restrictions

CCA encourages all producers to document all losses associated with the COVID-19 crisis.  Such information will be vital in ensuring that producers are compensated for losses associated with the pandemic.

USDA ensures that quality grading and inspection services will continue. On the Frequently Asked Questions page of USDA’s coronavirus webpage, the Department ensures the following: “USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continues to provide critical inspections and grading services. AMS is ensuring the health and safety of USDA employees while still providing the timely delivery of the services to

NCBA has created an extensive FAQ document, which includes the following answer regarding if packing plants are planning to close or reduce operations in light of the coronavirus: Packing plants are working to ensure worker health and safety so that employees can continue to work, and plants can continue to operate.  They are working on contingency

On March 26, the Department of the State and the Department of Homeland Security announced the authorization of "consular officers to expand the categories of H-2 visa applicants whose applications can be adjudicated without an in-person interview." Following the announcement, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement: “Temporarily waiving in-person interviews for H-2

The CDC has addressed that, "In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time."

CCA continues to work closely with NCBA to ensure that the federal government eliminates any obstacles in the food supply chain. On March 17, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane wrote to Vice President Pence outlining administrative actions which would protect and streamline the nation’s beef supply chain. In response to COVID-19’s impact on the

On March 18, the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act was signed into law by the President. The Act “provides for supplemental appropriations related to the COVID-19 public health emergency, as well as waivers and modifications of Federal nutrition programs, employment-related protections and benefits, health programs and insurance coverage requirements, and related tax credits during the