FAO: COVID-19 and the risk to food supply chains: How to respond?

In order to avoid food shortages, it is imperative that countries keep the food supply chains going. Unlike the 2007-2008 global food crisis, scarcity is not an issue this time. The supply of staple commodities is functioning well, and the crops need to be transported to where they are needed most. Restricting trade is not only unnecessary, it would hurt producers and consumers and even create panic in the markets. For high-value commodities that require workers (instead of machines) for production, countries must strike a balance between the need to keep production going and the need to protect the workers. As countries combat the coronavirus pandemic, they must also make every effort to keep the gears of their food supply chains moving.

This note from the FAO highlights recommended measures and how to ensure food supply chains continue to work in order to prevent high food prices and hunger. It compiles measures already in place in different countries, their impacts, and how they can support the strengthening of food supply chains during the crisis.