How to feed the world in times of pandemic?

Given the current pandemic scenario in which we are living, few statements remain unquestionable and one of them, without a doubt, is that the world needs to eat. The biological need becomes even more latent when we are forced to restrict our circulation and work rhythm. With the demand for food growing exponentially around the world, the biggest challenge of our generation has been fighting Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and at the same time feeding the world. But it is not easy to do this when at the same time it is necessary to prioritize the safety and health of employees. Companies linked to agribusiness around the world are looking for the best practices to balance the scales without anyone losing out (so much).

We at Piccin Tecnologia Agrícola are part of this great gear that feeds the world: the agribusiness chain. Since 1963, we have manufactured implements and machines that are essential for field work, as they help to carry out one of the most important stages of agricultural production: soil preparation. It is our harrows, subsoilers and scarifiers that turn the land and, with the help of fertilizer distributors, correct its nutritional deficiencies, improving its fertility so that the seeds can finally germinate. The result of good soil preparation is successful planting and an even more productive harvest, which will ensure that rice, beans, corn, wheat and countless other foods reach the plates of people around the world to alleviate hunger and maintain them nourished and healthy.

But what can we do then, if to help feed the world, we need the work of hundreds of employees who work directly within our industrial park? From the beginning, Piccin adopted a series of measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and contagion by the virus that is causing one of the biggest pandemics the world has ever seen. Employees who were in the risk group were removed from work in the first few days and working from home was adopted in some cases as a preventive measure. Vacations were brought forward in some situations and, in others, we used time bank contracts. For those who continue to work, the use of PPE and the adoption of sanitary measures determined by the Ministry of Health and WHO are being strongly encouraged. In addition, the HR department has been attentive to avoid crowds and monitor possible symptoms among employees. Meetings have taken place via video conference and lunch hours have been extended so that fewer people are in the restaurant at the same time. Sales representatives were encouraged to work from home and travel by field technicians was considerably reduced. When an employee needs to travel, upon returning, they are closely monitored to monitor possible symptoms.

Despite all efforts, impacts on both sides are inevitable and there is nothing that can be done against this harsh reality. There is no magic formula that solves all problems, but each company has been looking for the best option to do its part so that the agricultural sector does not get stuck in this crisis scenario. It is inevitable that we have many doubts and fears that each decision will result in negative impacts on the economy and on the lives of our employees. But there is no right or wrong right now. Perhaps, in some time, we will be able to look back and evaluate which actions were more successful and had better results, but, for now, it is time to take risks. So, let's do our best so that we can help people to eat and be strong to face this unexpected and relentless virus.