Joint Statement from the International Livestock Partnership on COVID-19

Dr. Monique Eloit, Director-General
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General
World Trade Organization (WTO)

Dear Director-Generals,

In these troubled times, international collaboration between the governmental and private sectors is more important than ever to ensure food safety, food security and nutrition and thus improving the general welfare of people around the world. Industry and global intergovernmental organizations must work together to ensure that both national food markets and the world market continue to be transparent, stable and reliable sources of food supply.

The members of the International Livestock Partnership welcome the actions taken thus far to support the continued well-functioning of value chains ensuring the production and availability of safe, nutritious and diversified animal-sourced foods for all globally. As you have recognized, participants in the animal-sourced food value-chain – from livestock farmers and feed producers, to input suppliers, to those in process and packaging, those delivering food to points of purchase and many others – are providing essential services that must continue.

Food derived from farmed animals provides readily absorbed proteins and nutrients and are essential to human health and food security. We therefore need to work together so that the animal-sourced food value-chain globally is not disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, thus resulting in pronounced consequences for populations globally.

We welcome the joint statement by FAO, WHO and WTO on 30 March, highlighting that “when acting to protect the health and well-being of their citizens, countries should ensure that any trade-related measures do not disrupt the food supply chain.” We wholeheartedly agree and appreciate your support and guidance as we work jointly to avoid disruptions in trade, livestock production, provision of feed, processing, and distribution of food from farmed animals essential for food security and public welfare, while respecting the welfare of animals we care for.

The global livestock sector is proud to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by providing safe and sustainable animal-sourced foods and feed, nutrition, and livelihood security. The members of the International Livestock Partnership stand ready to cooperate with you and the international community as we find ways to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Members of the International Livestock Partnership (alphabetical order):

International Dairy Federation (IDF)
International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF)
International Meat Secretariat (IMS)
International Poultry Council (IPC)

Download the full statement here: