COVID-19
USDA updates pandemic assistance for specialty crop growers, others
The USDA is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who... more »
USDA gives $3.4M for another round of produce box contracts
The USDA released the contract recipients for another round of Emergency Food Assistance Program produce box program Aug. 16. A total of $3,419,049 will pay for 436,229 boxes to be delivered from October 1 to... more »
L&I reaches $2M settlement with Central WA farm following worker deaths
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has reached a settlement with Gebbers Farms Operations LP following one of the largest workplace safety and health fines in state history. Under the agreement, Gebbers Farms will... more »
United Fresh salutes official’s visit to COVID-19 vaccination site for workers
United Fresh released the following statement regarding U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra’s July 23 visit to a farmworker COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Salinas, California, hosted by the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California... more »
California farmers’ markets seeing uneven recovery
Farmers' markets have long drawn thousands of shoppers during peak summer season for many crops. But growers say the pandemic upset that trend and its impacts linger, even as markets ease COVID-19 restrictions and try... more »
USDA-NIFA funding used to promote vaccine education by Rutgers Extension
There is significant concern among farmworkers and farmers about on-farm transfer of the COVID-19 virus. The ability to connect with vaccine providers has proven difficult for those language and technology/internet barriers, and those without established... more »
Michigan reverses mandatory testing for ag, food processing employees
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has rescinded its order requiring COVID-19 testing for agricultural employees. This change, announced June 2, is being made in light of increasing vaccination rates; declining COVID-19 cases;... more »
Michigan issues new agricultural worker testing order
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued a new agricultural worker testing order, replacing the August 2020 order in its entirety. The June 2021 order includes a new definition for agricultural work, clarifies... more »
Ag employers’ group shares plan to vaccinate H-2A temporary workers
The National Council of Agricultural Employers announced June 21 that the council’s ongoing collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control has resulted in another opportunity to protect farmworkers from COVID-19. “Earlier this year, NCAE members... more »
Most COVID testing rules kept in place in Michigan health order
A new Michigan Department of Health an Human Services order that finally accounts for the COVID-19 vaccination status of agricultural workers is presenting several new concerns for Michigan farmers. The Michigan Department of Health an Human... more »
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