The COVID-19 pandemic has been a hit to the United States economy, and in an effort to “produce a more independent, self-sufficient and resilient nation,” President Donald Trump has formed the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups.
“These bipartisan groups of American leaders will work together with the White House to chart the path forward toward a future of unparalleled American prosperity,” a press release from the White House read.
The U.S. poultry and feed industries will be well represented in the teams, which Trump announced on April 14. There are 17 groups, including one focused on agriculture.
Among the industry professionals on the agriculture group are:
- Dean Banks, president of Tyson Foods, which is the nation’s largest broiler producer, fifth largest turkey producer, and third largest feed company
- Randy Day, CEO of Perdue Farms, the nation’s fourth largest broiler producer, seventh largest turkey company and seventh largest feed company
- David MacLennan, chairman and CEO of Cargill, the nation’s largest feed company and third largest turkey company
- Juan Luciano, chairman and CEO of Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. (ADM), the nation’s fifth largest feed company
- Ronnie Cameron, owner and chairman of Mountaire Farms, the nation’s sixth largest broiler company
- Steven Bresky, president and CEO of Seaboard Farms, which owns a 50% stake in Butterball, the largest turkey company in the United States
- Zippy Duvall, president of American Farm Bureau Federation and a contract grower for Pilgrim’s Pride, the nation’s second largest broiler company
“The lost food service and restaurant market due to the COVID-19 shutdown hit America’s farm families hard. The prices paid to farmers and ranchers have spiraled down, and in some cases, demand has disappeared, despite empty grocery shelves. No one is more eager than farmers to get the economy humming again. It’s imperative that we do this in a manner that keeps our families, neighbors, coworkers and communities safe,” Duvall said in a press release.
“We look forward to working with fellow agricultural leaders and the Trump administration to ensure healthy, affordable food continues to be available to families across the country and farmers are able to hold on as we return to some sense of normalcy in America.”
Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate and government affairs for Kraft Heinz, the sixth largest turkey company in the United States, has been chosen to be part of the food and beverage group.
Several companies represented in the healthcare group have animal health units.
View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
