Trump Orders Meat Packing Plants to Stay Open

Cindy Zimmerman

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order Tuesday to keep meat and poultry processing facilities open during the COVID-19 national emergency.

During a Tuesday press availability, President Trump said the order “will solve any liability problems” for the plants. “We’re working with Tyson… and we always work with the farmers. There’s plenty of supply.”

President comments on packing plant order :30

Under the Executive Order and the authority of the Defense Production Act, USDA will work with meat processing to affirm they will operate in accordance with the CDC and OSHA guidance, and then work with state and local officials to ensure that these plants are allowed to operate to produce the meat protein that Americans need.

“I thank President Trump for signing this executive order and recognizing the importance of keeping our food supply chain safe, secure, and plentiful. Our nation’s meat and poultry processing facilities play an integral role in the continuity of our food supply chain,” said Secretary Perdue. “Maintaining the health and safety of these heroic employees in order to ensure that these critical facilities can continue operating is paramount.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall says the action taken by President Trump will help keep the beef supply chain intact, ensure beef remains available to consumers and ultimately provide the food that American consumers will need to reopen the nation.

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