Dear Valued Suppliers & Staff

Over the past few months, life, as we know it, has started to look very different. Illustrations from empty warehouses to “social distancing” measures, the COVID-19 crisis has touched us all with no clear end in sight, adding to logistics determinations, even opportunities. Our priority is the safety and good health of our staff and collaborators. Therefore, I hope everyone is keeping safe during the age of coronavirus with these challenging and stressful times as we face a dark, implacable, powerful foe. It is a microscopic virus that we now know is a threat, a severe one. However, at EnhancedExchange, we are fully operational, but all in-person events are suspended for the moment until further notice. Given the spread of misinformation about COVID-19, Just facts are providing a trove of rigorously documented facts about this disease and its impacts. These include some crucial facts that have been absent or misreported in much of the media’s coverage of this issue. Let us take the novel coronavirus seriously, but let us not throw reason or prudence out the window.

COVID-19 may very well prove to be every bit as dangerous as we have been led to believe. Epidemiologists, vaccine researchers, and other medical experts agree it is highly contagious and deadly, especially for specific at-risk demographics. We are aware of, receive, and review diverse content, inclusive of prevention, nutrition, and formulators work that may, when duly tested, provide solutions for the reduction, mitigation, and better-heightened preparedness. Yet many of the same experts disagree on the scope of the COVID-19 threat. One of the problems medical professionals are encountering is they simply do not have a lot of reliable data to work with as both collection criteria, sources, and time is inconsistent with as many variables that do so exist. Let us face it: pandemics are scary. Indeed, this is probably doubly true in the age of social media when the scariest models tend to be the ones most shared, which fuels even more panic.

Because of the heightened level of fear, it is not unreasonable to think public officials could “follow the crowd,” which is a bad idea even when the crowd is not totally petrified. We also realize, as do many of you, that the business of forecasting models, the group, and fear have a distinct wave pattern as does most of nature. “Crowds do not see reason“; they tolerate neither discussion nor contradiction, and the suggestions brought to bear on them invade the entire field of their understanding and tend at once to transform themselves into acts. The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that “this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation.” On the other hand, COVID-19 is highly transmissible, which means it could spread like wildfire without extraordinary measures to contain it. Principally, this would significantly increase its death toll as such precautionary measures often have economic and other impacts that can cost lives, and overreacting can ultimately kill more people than are saved.

There are, however, mortal dangers in overreacting because, in part, are the responsible measures to both prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19. This crisis will have long-term impacts on our respective societies, leaving few regions unscathed. It is of paramount importance that these decisions take advantage of qualified experts, while also determining the best available evidence applicable as regions have their own particular logistics and societies, which are sometimes slow to change. Leaders must be especially wary of any undue influence by vested interests and openly explain to the public with ample details of the known knowledge, for the determinations of the choices they make. Private sector entities are best suitable for this work with the support of the government as we have seen in the past. These are extraordinary times that call for an exceptional level of accountability, and transparency, integrity, and solidarity are each crucial to ensuring that optimal choices are made.

Indeed, when vast amounts of taxpayer money are at stake in a high-pressure environment, ensuring the corrupt do not benefit at the expense of the people is absolutely critical. In truth, collateral damage is an unfavorable term, what matters now is saving lives and, if possible, saving our company model and workers. We are in an extraordinary time, which requires extraordinary measures in earnest. Diligence and adherence with ample self-discipline are beneficially seen by others for proper directions, as much of the news coverage is rightfully centered on the continually changing situation that we are all faced with every day. We have said since the start of this crisis that our urgent priority is to protect our business model and workers from this external shock so that when the lockdown ends, the company is in the best possible place to bounce back. But we recognize as can be foretold the only way to dig the company out of this hole will be robust growth driven by business and innovation.

That is why our team is already beavering away in their respective work on the right measures to ensure that the bounce is as robust as possible with plans to deal with the inevitable consequences. I have been impressed by the reaction of our staff and vendors to this crisis. Still, we must not fall into the trap of assuming that everything is reliant on another, down to the government, or indeed that the government will get everything right. The question is whether the government can provide the kind of leadership this severe human and economic crisis demand as their agencies are slow and often fail us. Likewise, change is underway, perhaps far more than we can recognize, which until now has demonstrated only levels of bureaucracy, even incompetence, more so as logistic delays which can have rapid remedies. Therefore, the coronavirus crisis must cause everyone to rethink the idea that governments can manage these situations.

The private industry can indeed be trusted because the alternative for the poor or questionable providers is a failure. The coronavirus is reminding everyone that we cannot rely on the government, as per their regional role. Accordingly, preparation and prevention with ample awareness is the answer set as it is ultimately the private sector that will provide the solutions. Though it is up to all of us to ensure that we do whatever we can to look after ourselves, our families, and our communities at this awful time. That includes paying attention to the experts, and not merely those who shout the loudest. I know these are uncertain times, but I just wanted to tell you all that I am so grateful for what you are doing. Comprehensively, I just wanted to write from my heart to all our workers and suppliers, inclusive of supply logistics globally, that are working on the front lines of our food supply chain. You have provided such abundant, healthy, wholesome, affordable, available food that we could take you for granted, that I do not do as all aspects of our supply chain remain an integral part of our operation.

Emphasis is due to many, especially all who supply our farmers to help them grow food, whether it is fertilizer, feed, seed, or those who provide any other input. The people in the field who are doing the logistics, grow the food, processing the food, driving the trucks to get this food to our supply chain respectively are integral to solutions, to the growth of commerce and humanity. No doubt, these are unprecedented times. But given our collective potential for policy ingenuity and vigorous action, I have every confidence we all will rise to meet this challenge, as we have so many others before COVID-19. In due course, when the situation allows, we will resume our activities of in-person events. We will keep you informed of our operations through our newsletter and on social media. Thank you so much for what you all are doing, day in and day out. Our mission is to provide thoughtful, in-depth analysis of food, agriculture safety, security and production, animal plant health and nutrition, fisheries, and aquaculture products, what I call the story behind the story, which could not be more relevant.

Equally, I thank you all as you are the real heroes in this effort. It is essentially what you all are doing; you all are vital to our company having a steady and robust food products supply chain yearly. Lastly, please take good care of yourself and your loved ones. There is not a better time to strengthen our bonds, to stand together, to help each other through this storm, and come out the other side stronger. In the meantime, let us be patient and do everything we can to look out for each other and keep in touch. I wish you all to stay safe, comfortable, and in good health during these tough times.

Sincerely,

The President & CEO