More needs to be done to make the pork processing industry more resilient to avoid future shortages. Reform is needed in meat markets to allow smaller processors to compete and continue to operate in times of
emergency and disruption. Stronger action at the policy level can create more opportunities for small- and mid- sized processing plants to
open and thrive in the heavily centralized market. Investment and other policy approaches need to be done with the current infrastructure of meat packing plant facilities,
such as providing grants to smaller processors and creating a safe and healthy environment for employees to work in even
during a pandemic.
Maryam Salad College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Sciences