USDA is calling for public comments through May 21 on actions to "secure and strengthen" U.S. supply chains as it seeks to prepare a report on supply chain issues for agriculture commodities and food products.
The request for comments, published in the Federal Register April 21, covers a host of topics and USDA said they will also use feedback provided to shape their thinking on "how stimulus relief programs and spending related to food supply chain resilience as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) can help to increase durability and resilience within the U.S. food supply."
The request covers a broad range of issues for the supply chain in food and agriculture, including on issues such as "market concentration and consolidation," on crops or products not produced here that could be, transportation systems, digital products, risks posed by climate change, and "how to best target support for socially disadvantaged producers and processors, tribal communities, small businesses, beginning farmers and ranchers, and other key stakeholder groups." USDA also wants commenters to offer any "specific policy recommendations important to transforming the food system and increasing reliance in the supply chain for the sector."
USDA is to provide a report within one year of the executive order signed February 24 by President Joe Biden on "America's Supply Chain," and the comments it is seeking are aimed at providing information to compile that report. The broad nature of the request also outlines the administration's policy thinking moving forward which appears to be less focused on mainstream production agriculture.