COVID-19

COVID-19 policy in place for receiving facilities, FSVP importers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidance March 17 to communicate FDA’s intention to temporarily not enforce supplier verification onsite audit requirements for receiving facilities and importers under the  FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in response to the... more »

‘Emergency’ processing of ag worker visas sought

The steering committee of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) on March 18 called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to recognize all H-2A as well as any other non-immigrant visa petition involving an agricultural worker... more »

COVID-19 is subject of FDA stakeholder briefing

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a stakeholder call today, March 18, at 3:45 p.m. EDT to discuss food safety and food supply questions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). During the call,... more »

Ag included in Pennsylvania’s ‘essential businesses’

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on March 18 issued guidance for the agriculture industry on essential businesses and how those businesses can mitigate against COVID-19 while maintaining essential operations to ensure access to food. Governor... more »

Ag exempted from Monterey’s shelter order

Agricultural operations and related food businesses are being exempted from a shelter-in-place order in Monterey County, one of the country’s most prolific specialty crop production areas. COVID-19,... more »

Commercial vehicle drivers get hours-of-service regulatory relief

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief in response to the nationwide coronavirus (COVID-19)... more »

LGMA food safety audits continue through COVID-19 crisis

The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) is sharing information to inform retail and foodservice customers, as well as consumers, that activities in place to ensure the safety of leafy greens are fully operational during... more »

COVID-19 compels National Institute of Food and Health to extend deadlines

Due to the disruptions arising from the national response to COVID-19, USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is extending the following deadlines. NIFA will continue to monitor the situation and post updates to this... more »

COVID-19 food safety work addressed by USDA

Top USDA officials March 16 spoke on food safety issues related to the new coronavirus. COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019, as of March 16 had been linked to 6,606 deaths by the Worldwide... more »

Texas International Produce Association cancels 2020 Viva Fresh Expo

The 2020 Viva Fresh Expo has been canceled due to the increased concern for the health and safety of the exhibitors and attendees. Going forward, the 2021 Viva Fresh Expo is scheduled for March 23-28,... more »

Current Issue

VGN April Cover

Insect Eavesdropper allows growers to “hear” what’s happening in fields

Managing wildlife on the farm

Southwest Florida’s Worden Farm manages challenges

Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association says farewell to leader

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Veg Connections: Biopesticides and beneficial insects

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60 years of advocating for agricultural employers

Keeping CSA members engaged and loyal

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