Agri-food supply chain and disruptions due to COVID-19: effects and strategies

Goal: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has severely affected the global economies. It has a considerable effect on the agri-food economy and the linking food supply chains. The entire agri-food sector needs more attention because the concept of ‘work from home’ does not work here, and life cannot move even a single step without food. This paper offers a future agri-food sector perspective amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Design / Methodology / Approach: This paper explores the short-term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) based on the available information. The regulatory mechanisms taken by different government agencies, NGOs, and the food industry to manage the demand & supply disruptions are also discussed. Results: The detailed effect analysis of the COVID-19 on agri-food supply chains and remedial strategies are conducted for different interfaces of AFSC, viz. production, handling & storage, processing & packaging, distribution & marketing, consumption, etc. Limitations of the investigation: Given the research area's novelty, it may take enormous time to fully assess the current pandemic (COVID-19) effect on agri-food and its allied sectors. Practical implications: This paper would help the agri-food industry and the authorities assess the effect of COVID-19 on the agri-food sector. Originality/Value: This paper significantly contributes to new research directions and views for the AFSC and disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2021, Associacao Brasileira de Engenharia de Producao. All rights reserved.