Millions of pigs could be euthanized amid COVID-19, group says. Could this bill help?
Millions of pigs could be euthanized as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts the meat-packing industry, a group says.
Now, a proposed bill would help farmers experiencing outbreak-related hardships.
U.S. House Democrats introduced the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (Heroes) Act, which includes a provision to “offset losses related to the intentional depopulation of market-ready livestock and poultry due to insufficient regional processing access.” The new $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill is up for a vote Friday.
Across the country, meat processing facilities have been linked to COVID-19 outbreaks. Some plants have been forced to close or slow down production, McClatchy News reported.
As a result, grocery stores nationwide have been putting limits on the amount of meat shoppers can buy.
The disruptions also mean “pork harvest capacity is down nearly 40 percent as of May 6,” according to the National Pork Producers Council.
Younger pigs will continue to move through the supply chain, leaving some with nowhere to live, according to the pork council. The group estimates farmers could be forced to kill more than 10 million pigs between April 25 and Sept. 19.
“Destroying these animals and the food they represent goes against every farmer instinct,” the council wrote. “Substantial financial aid is required to sustain hog farmers through this crisis and preserve a highly competitive U.S. pork production system.”
On Tuesday, the National Pork Producers Council said it supports parts of the Heroes Act that call for providing money to farmers who need aid.
“U.S. pork producers are facing an unprecedented financial and animal welfare crisis,” Howard “A.V.” Roth, council president, said in a news release. “These provisions represent a critical lifeline for hog farmers struggling to weather this storm. We urge Congress to come together quickly on final legislation that includes these provisions.”
This story was originally published May 15, 2020 at 11:59 AM.
