COVID-19
Breaking: Agency temporarily amends H-2A rules during coronavirus crisis
The Department of Homeland Security, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announced April 15 a temporary final rule to change certain H-2A requirements to help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful... more »
Michigan growers, ag interests backed by MDARD director in plea to USDA
As Michigan’s food and farming community was already struggling to overcome the severe weather and low commodity prices from 2019, the COVID-19 global pandemic created even more dire and daunting economic hardships for the state’s... more »
COVID-19’s impacting the entire food supply chain
Much has been recently written about our nation’s food supply and consumer hoarding. I will not repeat what has been said, but rather offer additional perspectives during this trying time. This subject could be examined from... more »
Federal resources for growers outlined in guide
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on April 13 unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource... more »
Rapid Response FRESH Grants help produce industry aid families
The United Fresh Start Foundation has infused the fresh produce industry with 25 $1,000 COVID-19 Rapid Response FRESH Grants to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for children and families in need, while also... more »
Senators Stabenow, Peters urge COVID-19 relief for Michigan farmers
The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement will update retail and foodservice buyers about government audits and the process for making changes to strengthen food safety practices for growing leafy greens during a webinar Friday, April... more »
LGMA to hold webinar for produce buyers on food safety practices, audits
The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement will update retail and foodservice buyers about government audits and the process for making changes to strengthen food safety practices for growing leafy greens during a webinar Friday, April... more »
John Deere producing protective face shields
John Deere, in collaboration with the UAW, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, announced April 9 it is producing protective face shields at John Deere Seeding Group in Moline, Illinois.... more »
Agricultural workers’ protection addressed by California relief proposal
With California farms facing labor shortages, grocers experiencing empty shelves because of logistical bottlenecks, and many of the state's up to one million farmworkers lacking access to health care, Assembly member Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, on... more »
Grimmway donates carrots for COVID-19 relief
Bakersfield, California-based Grimmway Farms is donating fresh carrots to support Kern County residents and California food banks during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Last Thursday company president Jeff Huckaby delivered baby carrot snack packs to six... more »