Lincoln, NE — Nebraska lawmakers are considering a measure to beef up protections for meatpacking and poultry workers and ensure emergency plans in situations such as bird flu outbreaks.
Legislative Bill 573, which requires certain ag operations to implement disaster mitigation plans for workers and the food supply, should fortify the state’s economic backbone, said sponsoring State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha.
Among those who voiced support for the bill was Edison McDonald of GC Resolve, which advocates for family farmers and impact on communities. McDonald said recent outbreaks of avian flu have increased volatility in commodity prices. He said, for example, egg prices have increased about 38% nationally since January.
He believes the planning and response mechanisms called for under the bill would help manage outbreaks and disruption of the food supply chain.