Fresh coronavirus support funds for seafood processors and food redistributors have been launched by the UK and Scottish Governments, offering millions of pounds in aid.
The UK Government has been urged to provide greater support for small food and drink businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, as these are predicting at least a 33% loss in revenue as a direct result of the virus.
Measures for meat sector and general food production outlined
Coronavirus is hitting meat plant and abattoir operations as personnel contract the disease, but the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has contingency plans, FSA chief operating officer and COVID-19 incident director Colin Sullivan has claimed.
Associated British Foods (ABF) chief executive George Weston and finance director John Bason have requested a temporary 50% pay cut in anticipation of much lower earnings for the company following the coronavirus outbreak.
Inquiry posts early Eustice and Food and Drink Federation submissions
Fresh prepared foods producer Bakkavor is to review capacity across its manufacturing base in response to the coronavirus, as it predicted a hit to sales for the 2020 financial year.
Sales of canned meats, flour and canned beans have more than doubled since significant consumer stockpiling began in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is pushing for a system to match workers with produce growers who are facing a labour shortage as the UK heads towards harvesting season.
The Federation of Bakers (FoB) has shared the measures it has taken to ensure supplies continue during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in a letter of reassurance to the industry.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has introduced a temporary licensing scheme for up to three months to ensure food supply is able to run as smoothly as possible during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Unite, the union, has called on the Government to implement mandatory two-metre social distancing in the food processing industry but DEFRA advice confirms social distancing must be implemented if 'reasonably possible.'
