March 27, 2020

Brazil meat processors call for ease on restrictions that could affect supply chain

FrancisoTurra, Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) president said the group persuaded state governments to ease quarantine measures and ensure food supply, reported Reuters.

Government imposed lockdowns are affecting feed transportation and delivery of processed products, which disrupts the industry from delivering food to consumers.

Turra said ABPA companies are functioning normally. Some of the listed food companies under ABPA are BRF and JBS SA.

He referenced Santa Catarina, a prime pork and poultry producer and exporter. Restrictions in the area have been lifted but it has already left the local food supply chain concerned.

Lockdowns imposed by municipal order has affected grain processing operations and shipments in major farm towns.

Turra said ABPA has been supplying food to drivers transporting finished goods and inputs to and from food factories.

ABPA said its members have introduced strict precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as taking workers' temperatures and providing clean uniforms daily.

The group said it will maintain its output and export estimations and opened the prospect of additional job openings as demand is expected to grow from Asia.

Turra said even though ports have resumed operations in China, strong demand has put pressure on cargo movements, adding that there aren't enough refrigerated containers.

- Reuters