WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a new emergency temporary standard to protect more than 84 million workers from the spread of the coronavirus on the job. Under this standard, covered employers must develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to either …
Citrus Achievement Award Winner Talks New Varieties and COVID-19 Lessons Learned
See what Larry Black of Peace River Packing Company has to say in Part 1 of this exclusive Q&A series.
Lingering Effect: COVID-19 Still Impacting Tomato Industry
By Clint Thompson The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a lingering effect on Florida’s tomato industry. Bob Spencer, President of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida, said it’s been a rough year for Florida producers. COVID-19 is a main reason why as are imports from Mexico. “The majority of our produce is used in food service. A lot of it …
UGA Encourages Growers to Fill Out COVID-19 Survey
The University of Georgia wants feedback from producers impacted by COVID-19. Growers have until Dec. 23 to fill out a survey that will help industry leaders gauge the impact the pandemic has had on Georgia’s agricultural sector. The survey covers various facets of farming operations that have been altered since the pandemic began in mid-March. This includes commodity prices, disposal …
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Announces COVID-19 Handbook for Georgia Ag Laborers
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia Extension, has developed a practical and comprehensive COVID-19 handbook for growers and farm labor contractors in the specialty crop industry. Written specifically for Georgia growers, Protecting Yourself Against the Coronavirus, focuses on maintaining a safe and healthy …
USDA to Fund NC State-Led Group on COVID-19 Food Safety
According to N.C. State Extension, North Carolina State University experts will lead a national project for COVID-19 research and outreach to the food sector with a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “We really want to help the food sector make decisions based on the best available science, fill knowledge gaps and provide specific training,” said Ben …
More COVID-19 Protection Needed for Ag Workers
The nation’s essential agricultural industry has worked relentlessly through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure food is put on the tables of American families. Agricultural employers recognize that the health and safety of their employees are imperative to the success of their operations. These employers also recognize consumer demand for fresh, safe and nutritious produce. For years, agricultural employers have adhered …
Troxler Announces COVID-19 Assistance for Farmers Market Operators, Local Food Hubs
RALEIGH – Beginning Oct. 1, farmers markets operators and local food hubs can apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Emergency Aid for Farmers Market Operators and Local Food Hubs program. A total of $750,000 will be available from federal COVID-19 funds earmarked for North Carolina. Funding is meant to assist with losses from reduced number of vendors, plus offset additional …
COVID-19 risk factors vary by farm workers’ legal status; shows need for tailored measures
University of Florida/IFAS As laborers return to the fields this fall in Florida, both unauthorized workers and those authorized to plant and pick crops through a guest worker visa are vulnerable to the coronavirus. In fact, an estimated 75% of Florida crop workers have at least one underlying health issue that puts them at risk of developing COVID-19 complications, new …
Troxler Announces $2 Million in Funds for Dairy Assistance Due to COVID-19 Losses
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services RALEIGH – Grade A dairy fluid milk producers in North Carolina who suffered losses because of COVID-19 disruptions in the milk supply chain can soon apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Dairy Aid Program 2020. A total of $2 million will be available, with limits on the amount paid to producers. “The …