Caption: Volunteers at the Elmcor Food Pantry, Queens, NY, prepare food packages filled with produce and dairy products from upstate NY farms.
By, Rick Zimmerman
Even though we all are growing weary from the massive disruption of our lives, we are becoming accustomed to this new world. B.C. has a new meaning: “Before COVID-19”. We know that the future will not completely return us to pre-COVID-19 status, and we will determine what the new normal looks like. This evolutionary process is remarkably rapid, particularly when you reflect on events that occurred just a couple of months ago. This experience will make us stronger, more resilient and the following words have taken on new meaning.
Patience: As someone who is often impatient, this epidemic has tested my limits and I have surprised myself. It appears that my patience has been stretched beyond what I thought possible. That does not mean I don’t relapse at times, but I quickly pause and realize that there are millions of people who are much worse off than me and that I have much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the ability to practice patience on a daily basis.
Respect: One critical element for successfully transitioning from this pandemic is respect for authorities who have the responsibility to manage through this crisis and lead our society to a better place. We may not always agree with the objectives, strategies, tact, or tenor of the authority in charge. Without respect from our society, the imposed inconveniences and rules get ignored and the crisis lingers. Respect and patience work together to enable our leaders, who were elected to handle such crisis, find the path forward and bring us out to the other side.
Empathy: Always an important trait to aspire to, this one is mandatory during current times to keep our society grounded. Concern for each other brings out the best in us and fortunately we are seeing many good examples of empathy in our community, our country, and our world. Once empathy is employed, it becomes a recharging source of energy and purpose. Our society is sustained through the empathetic actions of its people.
Adaptation: As a member of the agriculture community, I know we are good at adaptation. Our business model requires that we remain nimble and flexible, to be able to pivot immediately given the circumstances. COVID-19 has allowed us to demonstrate our adaptability to the rest of society. A can-do attitude is part of our DNA because it is this trait that has helped us to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. COVID-19 is testing our adaptability, but the stories of success are all around us and I am proud to be a member of the agriculture community.
New Opportunities: This characteristic walks hand in hand with adaptability. It is an attitude that permeates all good business leaders because they know that those who identify and develop the next new opportunity, in the face of adversity, will be better equipped to thrive going forward. COVID-19 is creating new opportunities within the food and agriculture system. Keep your eyes and minds open and be receptive.
Silver Linings: This phrase is the reason why I wrote this column. A “silver lining within a dark cloud” is the more precise reference and is often used during times like this. I challenge you to look for the silver linings from COVID-19. They are all around us, and they motivate and encourage us because they are proof that there will be a brighter day ahead. One silver lining example I am involved in is the shipment of fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products from upstate farms to the epicenter of COVID-19: Elmhurst Queens. This part of town tends to be a food desert without a pandemic, so things went from bad to worse when NYC was shut down. Fortunately, the farm - city connection was in place and, in a matter of a few phone calls, along with the can-do attitude, farmers stepped up to the plate (pun intended). Weekly for the past month, a trailer load of 40,000-45,000 pounds of fresh food has been loaded, delivered, and distributed to thousands of people in need in Queens. Through Governor Cuomo’s Nourish New York Program, farmers are getting paid for their fruit, vegetables and dairy products which otherwise may not have a market. Definitely a silver lining to this dark cloud!
This pandemic has challenged us in ways we never imagined, and our industry and society will be better as a result.