Coronavirus having 'very little' impact on US food supply: agriculture secretary
Farmers got billions in emergency funding from Congress
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Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the coronavirus pandemic is having "very little" impact on U.S. food supply on "Mornings with Maria" on Monday.
"It's a very complex supply chain, but fortunately it's sound. It's stable. ... Our food safety inspectors are still on the job just as they've always been," Perdue said.
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"It has some impact, but the factor is these people are coming to work," Perdue said. "Farmers and ranchers who grow the food are there … they're the real heroes."
Perdue speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room, March 27, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The recently passed coronavirus relief package includes $9.5 billion in emergency COVID-19 response funding for agricultural producers, a provision that's seen as a win for farmers.
"Farmers are under duress," Perdue said. "We don't know exactly what the long-term impact will be. Thankfully with this latest legislation that’s passed, Congress provided the resources there to help farmers in need."