COVID-19

Southwest Florida producers can share product availability on SWFL Fresh website

Southwest Florida agricultural producers are encouraged to become familiar with the new “SWFL Fresh” brand website, which is one step closer to becoming live. Following is an update from Jessica Mendes Ryals, sustainable food systems agent... more »

Agricultural groups call for changes to disaster loan program

Thirty-eight agriculture groups and businesses sent a letter to congressional leaders requesting changes to the Paycheck Protection Program. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sectors received only 1.3% of the original $349 billion in approved funding.... more »

PMA joins PHA in announcing COVID-19 Fresh Food Fund Partnership

Produce Marketing Association’s Cathy Burns joined Nancy E. Roman of Partnership for a Healthier America for the closing of their virtual summit, PHA10: Accelerating a Healthier Future on April 28 to launch the COVID-19 Fresh... more »

Farmworker housing cuts pursued through emergency rules in Washington state

Many Washington state farmers rely on foreign workers through the federal H-2A work visa program to harvest their crops. However, the Washington State Department of Health and the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) are... more »

New Jersey farms seek marketing strategies to challenges of COVID-19

New Jersey farmers are among the most innovative and most productive farmers in the nation. Farming in the country’s most densely populated state in the U.S. comes with many challenges. It also comes with marketing... more »

USDA provides details on Farmers to Families Food Box Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), in conjunction with the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), published on April 27 Frequently Asked Questions... more »

Elevated produce demand pushes week of April 19 above prior year levels

Since the onset of coronavirus in the United States, grocery shopping patterns have been vastly different. Spending has been highly elevated ever since March 8 and much has changed in product and brand choices, trip... more »

Viva Fresh hosting ‘In Bloom’ event on adaptability, support in COVID-19 time

The Texas International Produce Association "In Bloom" Women’s Committee is hosting a virtual experience on May 6, 2020 at 4 p.m. CST to offer stories and shared support for surviving and finding ways to thrive in... more »

Penn State Extension webinar to focus on H-2A in uncertain times

Penn State Extension will present a townhall-style web-based seminar May 7 to assist Pennsylvania agricultural stakeholders who rely on the H-2A visa program for temporary workers to operate their businesses. The session, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., will cover COVID-19... more »

Michigan’s food, agricultrue businesses answer call for food donations

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on April 23 recognized several Michigan food and agriculture businesses for their donations to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and other non-profits as part of the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative... more »