COVID-19

Appeals court rules against Michigan farmworkers, farmers

A nine-page filing Sept. 2 by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against farmworkers and farm owners, plaintiffs in a case against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. According to a report by... more »

Ag, farmworker organizations team with California to distribute face masks

The state of California recently shipped 1.4 million N-95 masks to agricultural commissioners in 35 counties for wildfire smoke protection for farmworkers. This is part of that effort. From a joint news release by the... more »

NY Gov. Cuomo announces new state guidance for agritourism businesses

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Sept. 1 new state guidance for agritourism businesses as New York State enters the Fall season. The businesses, which include corn mazes, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations, hayrides... more »

SaniDate All Purpose Disinfectant now EPA-approved to kill human coronavirus

BioSafe Systems’ SaniDate All Purpose Disinfectant is now labeled to kill human coronavirus. According to a news release, it is categorized as “SaniDate 6%” on List N – the exclusive collection of disinfectants meeting specific... more »

Produce wins on trip conversion, spend per trip amid pandemic

Entering the latter half of August, the very different nature of this year’s back-to-school season is becoming evident. Wave 17 of the IRI COVID-19 shopper impact survey, conducted between Aug. 7-9, finds a growing number... more »

COVID-19 restrictions on agritourism eased by Washington governor

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee announced Aug. 28 updated guidance for agritourism and the agricultural industry as part of Washington's Safe Start phased reopening plan. Rather than banning the activities, the revised rules give farms instructions on... more »

Deadline approaching for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is Sept. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to... more »

Over 50,000 N-95 masks distributed across the Central San Joaquin Valley

The California Fresh Fruit Association and California Farmworker Foundation announced they have distributed over 50,000 N-95 masks and single-use surgical masks to agricultural employees across the Central San Joaquin Valley. According to a news release,... more »

Additional $1B for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program announced

An additional $1 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program has been added. The additional funding announced Aug. 24 allows the program to continue support to farmers, distributors and American families in need. The... more »

Strong summer fruit performance augments continued strong vegetable gains

Five months after two of the biggest weeks in the history of food retailing, consumer demand for fresh, frozen and center-store food and beverages continues to ride well above the 2019 baseline. The week ending... more »