Delegating Authority Under the Defense Production Act for Food Supply

May 1, 2020

Summary

Gives the Secretary of Agriculture power to make sure meat and poultry plants stay open to keep food on American tables during the COVID-19 emergency.

What problem does this solve?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, meat and poultry plants started closing due to worker outbreaks, threatening the nation's food supply. This order uses the Defense Production Act to require these plants to stay open, ensuring a steady supply of protein for Americans.

What does this order do?

Delegates Defense Production Act authority to Secretary of Agriculture

Gives the Secretary of Agriculture the President's power under the Defense Production Act to manage food supply chain resources, specifically meat and poultry, during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Requires meat and poultry plants to stay open

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to take all appropriate action to ensure that meat and poultry processors continue their operations to maintain the national food supply.

Mandates compliance with federal safety guidance

Requires that meat and poultry processors operate in a way that is consistent with safety guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA.

Declares meat and poultry as critical infrastructure

Finds that meat and poultry in the food supply chain are critical resources necessary for national defense, justifying the use of the Defense Production Act to control their supply.

Who does this affect?

Meat and poultry processing plant workers
Meat and poultry processing companies
American consumers

What is the real world impact?

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Prioritizes food production over worker health concerns

Forces processing plants to continue operating despite COVID-19 outbreaks among workers. Critics argue this may have prioritized the economic stability of the food industry over the immediate health and safety of its employees.

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Prevents food shortages

Ensures that large meat and poultry processing facilities remain open to prevent disruptions in the national food supply chain and avoid shortages of protein in grocery stores during the COVID-19 emergency.

When does this start?

This order became effective on April 28, 2020.