This Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) (CFDA 10.310) supports social science research to enhance interagency collaboration and address vulnerabilities in the meatpacking industry. The $200,782 project employs social network analysis and in-depth interviews to map collaborations between regulatory bodies like the USDA and OSHA. This research aims to identify gaps and barriers to interagency coordination, in order to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for improving worker safety and supply chain resilience within the meatpacking sector. The project focuses on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to foster enhanced communication and coordination to protect workers and safeguard the overall food system. The award has a performance period from Sep 1, 2024 to Aug 31, 2026 and is being executed by Syracuse University.