COVID-19
Webinar about COVID-19 disruptions to food supply chains scheduled
A multi-region, multi-institution research and outreach team investigating the impact of COVID-19 on food and agricultural systems will host a free webinar those engaged in the food supply chain at any level. The webinar will... more »
Fusionware ‘no-touch’ system addresses COVID-19 challenges
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is the kind of “black swan” event that is disrupting countless aspects of business and life around the world, and the produce supply chain is not exempt. According to a news... more »
Extreme circumstances of 2020 bring rollercoaster ride for produce sales
November and December sales were dominated by the holidays along with the consumers’ response to rapidly rising new COVID-19 cases across many states. Some states and cities enacted renewed shelter-in-place mandates which impacted grocery retailing... more »
Washington ag groups plea for fast-track farm worker vaccinations
As farmers across Washington state prepare for the first wave of nearly 15,000 guest workers to arrive in the first quarter of 2021, leading agricultural groups are appealing recently renewed state COVID-19 emergency rules to... more »
Congressmen call on USDA to prioritize farmworker safety funding
Representatives Jimmy Panetta, D-California; Jim Costa, D-California; Salud Carbajal, D-California; Dan Newhouse, R-Washington; Doug LaMalfa, R-California and Fred Upton, R-Michigan, led 70 colleagues in a bipartisan letter sent Jan. 11 to the USDA urging it... more »
Employers not required to continue providing FFCRA leave
After much heated negotiation in passing Stimulus 2.0, Congress reached a compromise on employee COVID-19 leave, allowing the leave requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to expire on Dec.31, 2020, but continuing tax... more »
USDA continues Farmers to Families Food Box Program, food purchases
USDA will purchase an additional $1.5 billion worth of food for nationwide distribution through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, according to a Jan. 4 announcement. In total, USDA has distributed more than 132... more »
Michigan cherry farmer pushes to get COVID-19 vaccine for workers
Since northern Michigan received the first doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine almost three weeks ago, many are wondering when they will be able to receive the vaccine. According to a report by Up North Live,... more »
Michigan order extends pesticide applicator credentials until June
A new emergency rule filed on Dec. 30 by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell extended pesticide applicator credential expiration dates as part of the state’s continued COVID-19 response. Applicators... more »
Coalition challenges Cal/OSHA emergency standards to protect nation’s food supply
A coalition of agricultural and business employers has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court challenging the COVID-19 related emergency temporary standards recently approved by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. According... more »
