COVID-19
Aid for specialty crop entities included in Pandemic Assistance for Producers
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced June 15 additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses as part of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. The funding includes $700 million in Pandemic Response and Safety... more »
Florida farmworkers needing help during pandemic can call hotline
Florida farmworkers statewide can call a toll-free number, 1-844-44FARMWORKERS (OR 1-844-443-2769) to get free legal assistance with issues on the rise because of the COVID-19 crisis, including access to vaccines. Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS),... more »
Ag groups react as Washington state repeals COVID-19 rules for workers
Following ongoing appeals by Washington state’s leading agricultural groups, state regulators announced May 28 that fully vaccinated farmworkers do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work or in congregate housing facilities,... more »
FDA urges vaccines for migratory food and agriculture workers
As the vaccine supply increases in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration is encouraging the leadership and management of food facilities to support vaccinations for migrant and seasonal food and agriculture workers. "When an... more »
Growers can continue cover crop systems with Pandemic Cover Crop Program
Agricultural producers who have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from the USDA if they planted cover crops during this crop year. The Pandemic Cover Crop Program, offered by... more »
Update to agriculture requirements announced in Washington state
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee issued updates May 28 to the agriculture workplace requirements to coincide with changes to the emergency rules for temporary worker housing released by the departments of Health and Labor & Industries.... more »
Cornell Farmworker Program efforts expanded with grant
As COVID-19 bore down on New York state, the Cornell Farmworker Program used mobile phone technology to provide rapid guidance and clear health information in multiple languages to the state’s farmworkers. Now, new federal funding will expand... more »
Farmworkers educated on vaccinations in North Carolina
To educate North Carolina farmworkers about vaccination, and especially COVID-19 vaccination, NC State Extension is offering a new program called Get Informed and Decide or, in Spanish, Me Informo y Decido. The program is part of... more »
COVID-19 farm rules repeal urged for Washington state farms, workers
Washington state’s leading agricultural groups are appealing to Gov. Jay Inslee to repeal recently renewed COVID-19 emergency rules for farm workers using temporary housing following his announcement that the state will loosen restrictions for fully... more »
Tips to better prepare farms against COVID-19 for upcoming harvest
Farm owners and workers play a key role in the Florida food production system and are truly essential. COVID-19 caused a major disruption on the 2020 fresh vegetable and fruit crop growing season. University of... more »
