The federal government and private sector are working to overcome barriers that can prevent delivery of farm inputs and food products, but a few challenges remain.

Federal agencies are cutting travel and preparing to operate with staff disruptions because of the coronavirus outbreak, and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue signaled that he’s open to expanding feeding programs if Congress gives him the legal authority. 

Groups that have been engaged in the process of developing the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans are trying to get the ear of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar before the last meeting of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

The Food and Drug Administration, facing increased criticism of its regulatory process for gene-edited animals, is mounting a new effort to defend its policies to farmers, researchers and developers, but the industry is backing the Agriculture Department's push to take over some of FDA's oversight role.

New questions about the future of the hemp industry emerged after one of the largest CBD processors filed for bankruptcy, but advocates remain bullish about the long-term future — if they can get more answers out of FDA.