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Global open letter highlights importance of animal ag, especially during COVID-19

About 70 organizations and individuals from around the world have endorsed an open letter addressing the misinformation around animal agriculture during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emily Solis is the communications specialist for the Animal Agriculture Alliance.

“(The purpose of the letter) really was to refute some of the claims that animal rights activists have really been driving this narrative that animal agriculture is supposedly to blame for the current pandemic,” she says.

The letter calls for governments and authorities to reassure consumers that domestic livestock production is safe and has not played a role in the spread of COVID-19.

“All of the research and all of the data related to coronavirus is really showing that it didn’t come from any domesticated animals, any livestock or anything like that,” she says. “It’s primarily showing that it came from wild animals, so we’re really trying to promote science.”

Solis says producers are working tirelessly to ensure consumers have safe and affordable food.

“Agriculture is important and is helping to feed hungry families and helping with nutrition insecurity,” she says.

Leading academics across four continents joined US, Canadian, and international organizations to sign the open letter.

The letter calls for authorities, intergovernmental groups, and non-governmental organizations to reaffirm the safety of livestock production, refute misinformation, and consult with livestock experts, including farmers and other stakeholders in the feed and food chain.

Audio: Emily Solis