By Jim Sutter, Chief Executive Officer, USSEC
First, we are thinking of all of those who are impacted by this virus. We are also very appreciative of our health care workers and providers around the world who are working tirelessly to keep our family and friends as healthy as possible during this time.
As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to spread globally, USSEC is working to assure global stakeholders the U.S. soy industry is maintaining a stable, abundant soy supply that consistently delivers.
While a reliable supply chain has always been critical, during this time, it is more important than ever. As they do every year, our growers are moving forward with planting. Farming families, grain handlers and exporters, and the entire value chain across the United States are working to ensure a safe and dependable supply of food for communities around the world. We have been in contact with USDA/FAS and know that they are aware of how important their services are to help the industry fulfill this critical role.
We continue our work of connecting U.S. exporters and buyers of U.S. Soy, which aims to further help to maintain a secure global supply chain.
Our worldwide team remains in place and is working diligently to respond and adapt to this situation. The U.S. soy industry has always placed a premium on face-to-face relationships, and, while not exactly the same, we’re ramping up our use of technology that helps us to connect with the customers of U.S. Soy virtually. Our in-market representatives have already begun to provide our customers with technical or trade assistance via WebEx, FaceTime, and other methods.
Finally, we are working to keep all members of the soy value chain, including customers, partners, and team members safe. Throughout our offices around the world, we are taking precautions to safeguard the health and well-being of all our employees. We are continuously monitoring the situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. The global priority is containing this outbreak, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been personally affected by COVID-19.
While the safety and well-being of others are most important, we understand how vital it is to supply our growing world with food, fiber and resources. USSEC is working hard to ensure that everyone knows U.S. Soy is open for business.
For info on U.S. agriculture during COVID-19, follow @USDA or visit http://bit.ly/2QokraU