January 25, 2022

US vaccine mandate will lead to more supply chain troubles, says AFBF president

The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation in the United States, Zippy Duvall, said that a move by the country's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to begin enforcing vaccine requirements for non-US citizens traveling to the US through land ports of entry and ferry terminals will impact food production.

"Farmers and ranchers share the goal of ensuring the health and safety of America's families. We also have a responsibility to put food on the tables of those same families," Duvall commented.

"We are extremely concerned that the Department of Homeland Security's decision to require essential workers be vaccinated before entering the United States will limit agriculture's ability to grow safe and nutritious food. Without a robust and stable workforce, crops could also be left rotting in the fields.

"DHS failed to provide proper notice of the mandate, which gives farmers, ranchers and agriculture suppliers no time to prepare. Farm workers and truck drivers provide critical skills and have been designated as essential by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Further limiting the available workforce will exacerbate existing supply chain issues as families face rising prices and fewer options at the grocery store."

- AFBF