Policy responses

1) Adapt transportation ristrictions to provide more favorable conditions for perishable items (i.e. night travel that otherwise is restricted).

'2) farmers are being called upon to increase local production (Caribbean and US)      

'3)  implement policies that protect and promote local value chain activities

'4) Chinese government has opened a “green channel” for fresh agricultural products and prohibited setting up unauthorised roadblocks, a close supervision would be required for these policies to be effective

'5) Introduce support policies for logistics and subsidize logistics firms and personnel;   

'6)  Ensuring the smooth and fast operation of channels for fresh farm produce transport       

Links and references

Impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak on market chains and trade of agricultural products in West Africa

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20200322/coronavirus-and-food-security-caribbean     

https://sustainableagriculture.net/our-work/nsac-response-to-covid-19/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/coronavirus-disrupts-staple-crop-production-impact-food-security1/

Pros 1. Improved logistics, and proper sorting of produce to remove damaged and decaying produce will contribute to enhancing fresh produce shelf life. 2. Opportunity to link up with food banks to reduce food waste.

Cons Ensuring that markets can absorb the quantities of fresh produce, and the availability of proper storage facilities to maximize food use.

Minimum conditions 1. Proper transport and storage systems. 2. Strict observance of hygienic packaging and handling practice to not compromise food safety.

Governance 1. Adherence to food safety principles. 2. Good post-harvest management practice 3. Observance of transport rules and regulations.