Everyone is counting on us

Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. States recognize food supply chain is critical

Coronavirus quarantines, social distancing, and other measures are disrupting home lives, workplaces and businesses around the world. Keeping grocery stores, institutions, and restaurants stocked with food is an urgent task -- one the chicken community is meeting. We want to share with you the statements Delmarva state governments have made about the importance of the work you, as a member of the chicken community, are doing.

Maryland:

As the State of Maryland continues its unprecedented response to COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is emphasizing the need for businesses involved in the state’s food supply chain to continue production. As a key stakeholder, we are asking for your assistance in delivering this message to your customers, employees and related supply chain partners. Reliable access to food is a human right and it is critical that our food supply chain maintain - and even be prepared to expand  - operations throughout this state of emergency. Any business involved in food distribution, production, processing, sales and supply will be considered essential, including, but not limited to: Agricultural equipment sales and service Agricultural supply businesses Animal feed supply and distribution Farms Farmers markets and food banks Feed mills Food and meat processors and manufacturers, including bakeries, etc. Food safety laboratories and inspectors Greenhouses and nurseries Grocery delivery services Pet food manufacturers and distributors Retailers, including grocery stores Seafood industry (crabbers, watermen, processors, etc.) Transportation, distribution and suppliers Veterinary services and supplies As essential businesses, we are asking you to remain open and operational - normally and safely - until or unless directed otherwise. Develop procedures for safe operation of your facility or farm and post those procedures for the benefit of your employees and the broader public. To clarify, the governor’s current order to suspend operations applies only to bars, dine-in restaurants and other non-essential retail locations. All other businesses, especially food-related businesses, are encouraged to continue operating within the parameters and protocols (large gatherings, social distancing, etc.) recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Maryland Department of Health. We understand that there are a number of challenges facing businesses right now. Please keep the Maryland Department of Agriculture informed of any regulatory/statutory challenge or hurdle that may impede production, processing or sales so we can address it accordingly and promptly. On behalf of the Hogan-Rutherford administration, we appreciate your support and patience as we continue to navigate this constantly-evolving situation with as few disruptions to food production and processing. Thank you for all that you do to ensure Marylanders continue to have access to a safe, reliable food source. We will post any updates on Facebook, Twitter and the MDA website. If you have specific questions, please contact news.mda@maryland.gov. Sincerely, Joe Bartenfelder Secretary Maryland Department of Agriculture

Delaware:

Maintaining the supply of food and fiber for our citizens, especially during times of an emergency, is of paramount importance. Our poultry industry plays a critical role in feeding our citizens and supplying an abundant, healthy source of protein. It is extremely important that the entire vertically integrated chain of poultry production remain functioning at full capacity and that everyone in that chain is doing their part to assure chicken is available for purchase. Of course, one vital part of that chain is the processing of the birds at our poultry processing plants. Workers are commended for what they do to feed our citizens and are encouraged to give extraordinary effort in these challenging times. We have the most abundant, affordable, and safest food supply in the world, due to the invaluable contributions of everyone involved in food production Their participation in feeding Delaware and America is essential. Agriculture and food production are essential industries that provide food and fiber for all and play a critical role in the state's economy. During this difficult time, I want to offer encouragement to all our family farmers, producers, agribusinesses, wholesalers, distributors, consumers and the many other members of Delaware's food supply chain in the state who are working hard to continue business as usual with minimal interruptions. Sincerely, Michael T. Scuse Secretary Delaware Department of Agriculture