COVID-19
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 »
Impacts of COVID-19 on new farmers subject of USDA listening session
The USDA announced May 4 a virtual listening session for beginning farmers and ranchers to learn how COVID-19 impacted their farming operations and to get their feedback on USDA assistance. The listening session will take... more »
FAQs on American Rescue Plan debt relief for socially disadvantaged producers
Earlier this month, we posted important information about the American Rescue Plan debt relief payments for socially disadvantaged producers. The American Rescue Plan includes provisions for USDA to pay up to 120% of loan balances,... more »
Pre-solicitation for TEFAP fresh produce set by USDA
The USDA announced April 9 plans to purchase Fresh Produce (WBSCM Material Number 111427). Pandemic Assistance funding has been made available to supplement The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) program for the remainder of the... more »
United Fresh ‘deeply disappointed’ as USDA cuts Food Box Program
The USDA will end the Farmers to Families Food Box program in May, according to several media outlets. “We’re going to continue to provide healthy food but we’re going to do it through the most... more »
Comparison to year-ago produce sales levels turned negative for most areas
March 2020 experienced the biggest spikes in the history of grocery retailing as the nation bought supplies to fill their freezers, fridges and pantries in preparation for shelter in place. After an initial flurry of... more »
USDA allocates $330M in specialty crops grants, incentives
The USDA announced April 13 the availability of more than $330 million to help agricultural producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is... more »
USDA reopens Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
The USDA Farm Service Agency announced its Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 signup is reopened as of April 5, as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least... more »
USDA announces reopening of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
The USDA Farm Service Agency announced its Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 signup is reopened as of April 5, as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least... more »
Produce Working Group delivers 30 Food Box recommendations to USDA
United Fresh Produce Association’s Produce Box Working Group on March 31 presented USDA with a set of 30 recommendations that would help guide a new program around produce food boxes. Release of the recommendations is in... more »
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