Strengthening Resilience in our Agri-food Supply Chain
While researching for information on the US supply chain for my book, I came across a recent report, Agri-food Supply Assessment: Program and Policy Options for Strengthening, written by the USDA in response to President Biden’s 2021 executive order on America’s Supply Chains.
Published in Feb 2022, the report outlines the risks and resilience of the U.S. agri-food supply chain and identifies potential solutions. This report was released before the Russian invasion of Ukraine started and before the current Infant Formula shortage was national news.
The six key vulnerabilities mentioned in the report are:
Concentration and Consolidation in Agri-Food Production, Manufacturing, and Distribution
Labor Needs
Ecological and Climate Risks to Crops
Livestock and Poultry Disease Threats
Transportation Bottlenecks
Trade Disruptions
Possible solutions are provided for each key vulnerability. For example, one solution to concentration and consolidation is to promote local food businesses.
As I read through more of the report, I will share that information here. Please let me know your thoughts on whether this report addresses your key concerns about the agri-food supply chain.
Who is Cathy Davies?
I write about the intersection of food science and food systems with an emphasis on food safety, food justice and resilience. I am concerned that climate disasters and changing weather patterns are affecting our ability to eat healthy, nutritious food.
I run a food safety consultancy, Food Safety Mid Atlantic, supporting specialty food businesses with their food safety plans and programs. If you are interested in learning more about my consulting services, please schedule a free call.
Please subscribe to Food Crumbs today, if you haven’t already.