COVID-19

With accommodations, Oregon U-pick farms are opening for business

As berries begin to ripen, many of us anticipate the fresh sweetness of Oregon grown fruit and the opportunity to pick-our-own at local farms. Perhaps this year, even more than most, we are looking forward... more »

OSHA, CDC issue guidance to help ag workers during pandemic

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on June 2 issued guidance that includes recommended actions to protect agriculture workers from exposure to the coronavirus. According to a news release, prevention... more »

Michigan executive order set to protect migrant workers living in congregate housing

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on June 1 signed Executive Order 2020-111, which provides additional requirements and procedures to keep agricultural workers and the food supply safe from the effects of COVID-19. “It’s critical for Michiganders... more »

Memorial Day week drove continued double-digit sales gains for produce

Memorial Day signals the traditional start of the summer grilling season, with meat and produce promotions typically dominating the front page of grocery circulars around the country. This year, however, the tight meat supply created... more »

Farmers to Families Food Box Program addressed by PMA, United Fresh

Cathy Burns, CEO of Produce Marketing Association and Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh Produce Association have addressed their members and the industry after a May 29 meeting with USDA officials with direct... more »

New COVID-19 requirements released for Washington agriculture

On May 28, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee released Proclamation 20-57, “Concerning the Health of Agricultural Workers” which provides required protections that must be in place by June 4. Full details of requirements can be found... more »

UGA Extension helps Georgia Grown connect to consumers

Like the moments before a race begins, dozens of staff with Georgia Grown and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension prepared to load thousands of pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables into hundreds of waiting cars... more »

COVID-19 impact headlines United Fresh’s Q1 2020 FreshFacts on Retail report

United Fresh Produce Association’s Q1 2020 issue of FreshFacts on Retail reports on the beginning weeks of the unprecedented rise in in-home food and beverage consumption triggered by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The report includes... more »

GreenStone donates $20,000 to back communities impacted by COVID-19

GreenStone Farm Credit Services has announced the 2020 Member Grown Outreach program and its impact on local organizations that touch the lives of thousands of families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the contribution of $20,000. According to a news release,... more »

Farmers to Families Food Box, CFAP programs aired in PMA virtual town hall

A May 27 Produce Marketing Association virtual town hall featured Bruce Summers of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and Hunt Shipman of Cornerstone Government Affairs. The topics of discussion were the overall progress of the... more »