Agriculture and food workers and their industries have been recognized as essential by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
This recognition, outlined in a memorandum issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), encourages authorities at all levels to support continued operation amid ongoing restrictions in the wake of COVID-19.
Keeping America running
Specific workers from these sectors noted in the guidance include:
Food manufacturer employees and their supplier employees—to include those employed in food processing (packers, meat processing, cheese plants, milk plants, produce, etc.) facilities; livestock, poultry, seafood slaughter facilities; pet and animal feed processing facilities; human food facilities producing by-products for animal food; beverage production facilities; and the production of food packaging