COVID-19
Farm Bureau outlines what’s in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for ag
In early March the Senate passed, on a party-line vote, the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The legislation goes back to the House – likely this week – before... more »
Comments sought, listening session set on potential food box replacement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service seeks comments on the development, coordination and implementation of a food purchase and distribution program intended to provide additional aid to nonprofits serving Americans in need of... more »
University of Georgia guides farms through difficult period
It’s been a rough three years for Georgia pecan farmers, whose cash crop has been battered by a hurricane, a fungal tree disease, and a global pandemic – all in relatively rapid succession. But many... more »
Food/ag workers encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccination in Michigan
Michigan’s food processing and agricultural workers are encouraged to register to receive a COVID-19 vaccination appointment as eligibility expands to Michiganders working in the food and agriculture sector. "Throughout the pandemic, Michigan’s food and agriculture... more »
Michigan emergency rules mandate COVID-19 preparedness and response plan
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell issued on March 2 Pandemic Public Health Measures in Migrant Agricultural Worker Housing Emergency Rules, which require licensed housing providers to create and implement plans... more »
Cal/OSHA Emergency Standards action cited by ag, business group
In response to the decision Feb. 26 of the Superior Court to deny motions for preliminary injunctions restraining the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board from enforcing the Emergency Temporary Standards, a coalition of... more »
Next phase of Colorado COVID-19 vaccines includes ag workers
On Feb. 26, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Brigadier General Scott Sherman and Scott Bookman, Incident Commander with the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment provided a much anticipated announcement that the state will enter... more »
Application deadline extended for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
USDA announced it has extended the deadline to apply for the latest round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The original deadline was Feb. 26. But according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the new deadline... more »
March 1 access to COVID-19 vaccine set for Michigan ag workers
The Michigan Department of Health of Human Services announced Feb. 15 a new program to enhance the state’s equity strategy to reach more Michiganders with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. As part of the... more »
State ag departments voice concern regarding use of Specialty Crop Grants
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sent a letter Feb. 8 to U.S. Acting Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Shea to request additional flexibility for states’ use of Specialty Crop Block Grants included in the... more »