COVID-19
Beckstoffer Vineyards in California donates $100,000 for COVID-19 relief
Andy Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyard, based in Rutherford, California, announced March 30 that the company will be donating $100,000 directly to individuals, not organizations, most in need in Napa, Mendocino and Lake Counties. Beckstoffer Vineyards... more »
Minimizing risks at farmers’ markets, on-farm markets, U-pick, produce auctions
Each day brings new information and concern about COVID-19 and its impact on our lives. If the threat of this rapidly spreading viral disease lingers, social distancing and limitations on public gatherings could adversely impact... more »
Health insurance options for farm families outlined
Many farm families rely on off-farm jobs for health insurance, and the sudden layoffs and furloughs might mean that farm families are losing their coverage unexpectedly. Other families, who have not had insurance, might be... more »
North Carolina State shares COVID-19 resources for fruit, vegetable producers
Below please find a list of resources for fresh produce growers dealing with COVID-19. These resources are categorized for you into Labor Availability, Markets and Farm Markets, Cleaning and Sanitation, Worker Health and Hygiene, Trade... more »
Michigan apple industry donates apples for school children
Michigan’s apple industry will donate nearly 346,000 fresh apples and 726,000 sliced apple packages to feed school children who are currently out of school due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) worked... more »
2020 strawberry outlook update from Rabobank includes COVID-19 impact
Strawberry planted acreage in California is up year-over-year in 2020 from its lowest level in almost 15 years, and increased plantings in the Santa Maria producing region continue. Florida’s acreage remains flat, while strawberry plantings... more »
Breaking: Passage, signing of CARES Act brings aid to farmers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed the CARES Act on March 27: “The passage of the coronavirus response legislation will provide much needed relief to... more »
COVID-19 not a current threat to the food system, but California farmers still feel the pinch
COVID-19 does not currently pose major threats to overall global food security because adequate stores of staples – like wheat and rice – remain available. But the sustainability of California specialty crops may face greater hurdles, reported Laura... more »
LSU AgCenter posters show safe produce handling for producers, consumers
Hand-washing, social distancing and avoiding touching any part of the face are among the most prescribed recommendations across the globe for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Another practice that has become an important part of... more »
Stay-at-home order in Colorado recognizes agriculture as ‘Critical Business’
On March 25, 2020, Colorado Gov. Jared Governor Polis issued a statewide Stay-At-Home Order and CDPHE issued the amended Public Health Order (PHO) 20-24 to implement the Governor’s EO. The order began today, March 26, 2020... more »