Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

The White House economic recovery group includes agriculture leaders. Announced this week, the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups will “chart the path forward toward a future of unparalleled American prosperity,” according to a White House press release. The panel on agriculture includes American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, along with processor and packer representatives from Tyson Foods, Cargill, Archer-Daniels-Midland, and others. The plan includes a separate food and beverage industry panel, as well. There are 16 panels in all, representing most of the U.S. economic sectors. Crop and livestock markets are plunging during the COVID-19 pandemic, with industry losses worth billions of dollars. The National Pork Producers Council called the pandemic a “financial disaster” for pork producers. The nation’s hog farmers face a collective $5 billion loss for the remainder of the year, according to the organization. Nearly all agriculture sectors are requesting relief from the White House and the federal government to help farmers through the pandemic.