AgNet DEMO

Category: Coronavirus

  • FFVA Urges DeSantis to Prioritize Vaccines for Agricultural Workforce

    Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) Chair Aaron Troyer, on behalf of FFVA members, sent a letter to Gov. DeSantis this week urging for priority distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine for Florida’s agricultural workforce.

    While FFVA strongly supports that healthcare workers and long-term care facilities receive first priority, Troyer urged for prioritizing Florida agriculture after those groups to ensure a continued safe and abundant food supply.

    “The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the essential nature of agricultural workers, who are on the front lines putting healthy, nutritious food on consumers’ tables,” the letter stated. “As you well know, Florida is the ‘winter bread basket’ for the entire country and a key economic driver for the state. The health and well-being of the agriculture workforce is the top priority for Florida growers.”

    Florida growers have already taken extraordinary measures, completed extensive training and made substantial investments in workforce protection against COVID-19 since the start. However, there is still concern for COVID-19 impacts on the workforce without access to a vaccine in the coming months.

    See attached letter:

    December 2, 2020

    The Honorable Ron DeSantis

    Governor, State of Florida

    The Capitol400 S. Monroe St.Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

    Dear Governor DeSantis:

    On behalf of the members of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, I am writing to strongly urge that the state include agricultural workers among its top priorities for the COVID-19 vaccine allocation. We understand the state has begun preparations for the rollout of the initial vaccine and strongly support priority allocation to healthcare workers and long-term care facilities. Respectfully, prioritizing vaccinations for Florida’s agricultural workforce (after the aforementioned groups) is vital for a safe and abundant food supply.

    The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the essential nature of agricultural workers, who are on the front lines putting healthy, nutritious food on consumers’ tables. As you well know, Florida is the “winter bread basket” for the entire country and a key economic driver for the state. The health and well-being of the agriculture workforce is the top priority for Florida growers, who have taken extraordinary measures, completed extensive training and made substantial investments in workforce protection against COVID-19 since the start. However, our growing season has only just begun, generating concern of anticipated impacts on our workforce heading in to the winter months if there is still no vaccine available.

    Now more than ever, Florida agriculture plays an important role in our communities, and its workforce plays an even greater one in helping to feed the state and country. Despite best efforts, this virus has proven unstoppable, and no industry is immune to its impacts. But, this industry is resilient, and we will continue to do all we can to protect our workers. That said, priority distribution of a vaccine to agricultural workers ensures a healthy workforce and that food will continue to flow from the farm to consumers.

    Thank you for your leadership and consideration of this request. We stand ready to partner to ensure all of Florida’s essential workers have access to vaccines when available.

    Sincerely,

    Aaron Troyer

    Troyer Brothers FL, Inc.

    Chair, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association:

  • Myths Debunked: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)

    USDA picture/FSA Program Technician Jessica Clarke talks with Maryland producer Ethan Whiteside about the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Signup for CFAP 2 ends December 11, 2020.

    Posted by J. Latrice Hill, National Director of Outreach, USDA Farm Service Agency in Farming

    USDA is now accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for farmers and ranchers whose operations have been impacted by the current pandemic. Signup closes on Dec. 11. Have you submitted your application? Let’s debunk some common myths that may be holding you back.

    Myth 1: I cannot apply for CFAP 2 because I didn’t apply for the first round of CFAP.

    CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of CFAP, now referred to as CFAP 1. There is no requirement to participate in CFAP 1 in order to participate in CFAP 2.

    Myth 2: I applied for CFAP 1, therefore I cannot apply for CFAP 2 as they’re the same program with one funding pool.

    Again, CFAP 2 is a separate program from CFAP 1 and has its own unique funding. The programs function separately and require separate applications and signups, but with very similar eligibility requirements.

    I enrolled in CFAP 1, so I’m automatically enrolled in CFAP 2.

    Producers who applied for CFAP 1 are not automatically signed up for CFAP 2 and must complete a new application in order to be eligible for assistance.

    Myth 3: CFAP 2 is only for farmers or ranchers who’ve had COVID-19.

    No. CFAP 2 is available to any individual or legal entity who shares in the risk of producing eligible CFAP 2 commodities. The program is intended to provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have continued to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. There are more than 300 commodities eligible for the program ranging from livestock to row crops, specialty crops to aquaculture. Virtually all farmers and ranchers are potentially eligible for this program.

    Myth 4: The commodities I raise or produce were not eligible for CFAP 1, so there’s no need for me to apply for CFAP 2.

    CFAP 2 included additional commodities that were not eligible under CFAP 1. It’s important to check out our Eligible Commodities Finder to see if the commodity you grow or raise is eligible for CFAP 2.

    Myth 5: My local Service Center is not open to the public because of the pandemic, so there’s no staff to help me with my application.

    All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. You should first call your local Farm Service Agency office and schedule an appointment. If they can’t assist in person, they will be able to help you over the phone, or by mail or email.

    An easy first step is to contact our call center at 877-508-8364 and an FSA employee can help you take the first steps toward application.

    You can find the phone number and the location of your local USDA Service Center at farmers.gov/cfap and view the status of your local Service Center at farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status.

    Myth 6: I need to work with a third-party entity to complete my CFAP 2 application.

    USDA helps farmers and ranchers complete program applications and other paperwork free of charge. Service Center staff can guide farmers through the process of preparing and submitting required paperwork on their own, with no need to hire a paid preparer. Language translation service is available in all USDA Service Centers, so one-on-one assistance with a Service Center employee can be translated in real time for farmers requiring it.

    Myth 7: CFAP 2 is a loan program that I will need to pay back.

    CFAP 2 is direct financial assistance and not a loan. There is no cost to apply for CFAP 2 and funds will not need to be paid back.

    Myth 8: This is a first-come, first-served program and those who applied earlier are more likely to receive funding.

    This is not a first-come, first-served program. CFAP 2 provides up to $14 billion. The program was designed to distribute assistance broadly across the industry and across the country. Current data on payments is available online and updated every Monday. USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept CFAP 2 applications through December 11, 2020.

    Myth 9: I’ve never done business with USDA before so I’m not eligible for CFAP 2.

    Participation in other USDA programs is not a prerequisite for CFAP 2 eligibility. Our staff is standing by to help you get started and will work with you to fill out the program application. They will ask for this information:

    • Name and Address
    • Personal Information, including your Tax Identification Number
    • Farm Operating Structure
    • Adjusted Gross Income compliance certification to ensure eligibility
    • Direct deposit information to enable payment.

    You can learn more about the CFAP 2 application process at farmers.gov/cfap/apply.

    Myth 10: I don’t have a farm number, so I don’t qualify for CFAP 2.

    You do not need to have a farm number to apply for CFAP 2, except if you will be filing an application for commodities identified as acreage-based crops. The acreage and yield information must be provided by FSA through the annual acreage reporting process, either through an application initiated by USDA Service Center staff or by applying online. Contact the FSA staff at your local USDA Service Center if you have questions about acreage reporting and your CFAP 2 application.

    Learn more about CFAP 2 at farmers.gov/cfap.

  • South Carolina Growers Reminded About CFAP 2 Deadline

    According to the South Carolina Grower, eligible growers are reminded to sign up for the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2. The deadline is Dec. 11.

    More than 230 fruit, vegetable, horticulture, and tree nut commodities are eligible for CFAP 2 along with honey, maple sap, floriculture and nursery crops. Check to see if the crops you grow are eligible through our Eligible Commodities Finder on farmers.gov/cfap.

    Growers can sign up for CFAP 2 through their local USDA Farm Service Agency.

    Learn more at farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. 

  • Uncertainties for 2021 Growing Season

    While 2020 is nearly in the books, farmers are looking ahead to 2021 with the same outlook of uncertainty they had this year following the coronavirus outbreak in March.

    There’s uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and a risk of not knowing if there will be another nationwide shutdown that could lead to more market disruptions like the ones that impacted Florida farmer Sam Accursio this year.  

    There’s uncertainty regarding trade with China and the tariffs that are currently imposed on Chinese products that have prevented the country from purchasing U.S. pecans. This has led to extreme low prices this year for Southeast farmers.

    Various Risks

    There are various risks producers have to consider when planning for next year, says Adam Rabinowitz, Assistant Professor and Extension Economist at Auburn University.

    “There clearly are a lot of uncertainties as we move forward into 2021. 2020 was a very challenging year as everybody knows from a lot of different standpoints with things that we have experienced that we have not felt before in agriculture as well. That just adds to the uncertainty moving forward,” Rabinowitz said.

    “We still have a pandemic, as we see now cases rising and what impact that will have. We saw supply chain disruptions that occurred at the beginning of the year.

    “We’ve seen net farm income continue to drop with the exception of government payments that have helped really to sustain it. There have been two rounds of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) that have helped really alleviate some of the market issues.”

    CFAP 2 Deadline

    Producers have until Dec. 11 to submit their CFAP 2 applications. The program is open to growers of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, honey, horticulture and maple sap.

    Administration Change

    The uncertainty is magnified in 2021 because the country will transition from the Trump Administration to the Biden administration. What is the future of trade negotiations and the tariffs that are currently on Chinese goods?

    “We do know that we have the trade negotiations that are still ongoing, regardless of who is in the White House. That’s still going to be an ongoing process,” Rabinowitz said.

    “There are still the tariffs that the U.S. has put on Chinese products and other products with other countries in retaliation that has occurred likewise for U.S. exports going overseas. What happens to that is still an unknown. We’ve certainly seen China increase their purchasing of U.S. agricultural products this year, including getting into markets they have not been in before. That’s certainly promising.

    “This Phase One agreement that we’re under right now with China where we essentially laid out a two-year plan, so what is the future beyond that and will they still be able to meet the first year goals plus an increase in second year goals? It’s still up in the air.”

  • CFAP 2 Application Deadline is Dec. 11

    Producers impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and qualify for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 2 still have time to submit their applications. The deadline is Dec. 11. It is open to growers of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, honey, horticulture and maple sap.

    The United States Department of Agriculture implemented this program to provide producers financial assistance who continue to face disruptions in the marketplace and other costs associated with COVID-19.

    According to the USDA, CFAP 2 will provide up to $14 billion to eligible producers. All eligible commodities, payment rates and calculations can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of the program (CFAP 1) and interested producers must complete a new application to be eligible for payment for CFAP 2.

    As of Nov. 9, the FSA had paid more than $9.5 billion with more than 576,000 applications for CFAP 2. This followed the more than $10.3 billion paid through CFAP 1.

    Those growers interested in filling out a CFAP 2 application can meet with staff at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA). Producers interested in one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance at our call center.
    Visit ww.farmers.gov/cfap for additional information on Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, other eligible commodities, CFAP 2 eligibility, payment limitations and structure and how to apply.

  • 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 Chapman, NC State University professor and Food Safety Extension Specialist. “This project will allow us to expand on work we started in March, coordinating a response to investigate virus persistence and other topics including the efficacy of face coverings for workers such as cashiers.”

    The two-year grant through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture will support FoodCoVNET, a network of researchers at NC State University, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, the University of Florida, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    Focus of Study

    Scientists will focus on understanding the risks and best practices to address virus transmission between people in food settings like restaurants, produce packing facilities, and food manufacturing settings. FoodCoVNET collaborators will quantify viral transfer to and from hands, foods, and surfaces, as well as testing the effectiveness of disinfecting strategies. The team will test the viral persistence on foods, packaging, and food preparation surfaces under a range of pH levels, temperatures, humidities, and storage conditions.

    “While we understand generally that the biggest risks in SARS-CoV-2 transmission are person-to-person, the food sector has challenges in physical distancing, managing airflow, and disinfection of high-touch surfaces,” said Michelle Danyluk, University of Florida professor of food science. “Evaluating the effectiveness of strategies with specific situations in mind, such as in produce packing facilities or in transport can hopefully lead us to help manage the devastation this pandemic has created within the food industry.”

    Research Results

    Results of the research will be used to develop COVID-19 training and educational materials for food handlers at each step from the farm to the final consumer. The grant team, which includes experts in food safety, virology, food production, microbiology, and science communication, began working together early in the pandemic to fill a critical need for information on how to keep food handlers and customers safe.

    “There was a lack of food sector-specific information in March that led to our team to come together to evaluate messages that were being distributed by others and create our own,” said Don Schaffner, extension specialist in food science and distinguished professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. ”There continues to be a huge need to screen, distill, and translate the firehose of data on viral persistence and transfer into usable recommendations for the food industry.”

    Research-based practices helped the restaurant industry reopen at a time when an estimated 8 million restaurant employees were out of work, said the National Restaurant Association’s Lawrence J. Lynch, who serves as president of the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals and senior vice president for certification and operations.

    “As this virus continues to impact lives, it is critical to partner in finding scientifically valid responses to reduce or eliminate the risk of the virus while allowing businesses the opportunity to rebuild, for employees to return to work and for the public to safely dine,” Lynch said.

    The project will study and share recommendations to prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus at every stage of food production, “from the farm to the consumer and all the steps in between,” said Byron Chaves, assistant professor and food safety extension specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “We will conduct laboratory-based studies to better understand viral behavior under different conditions and what that means for producers, food processors, and retailers.”

    Other Industry Partners

    Other industry partners the team works with include the Food Marketing Institute and the American Frozen Food Institute.

    “Through this grant, we’ll continue to work closely with our industry partners to find and fill the gaps in data and offer practical guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Chapman said. “This pandemic is most certainly a watershed moment for the world of public health, health, science, communication, and epidemiology, and that has spilled over into the world of food safety.”

  • More Than $7 Billion Paid in Second Round of CFAP

    (Washington, D.C., Oct. 26, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that in the first month of the application period, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) approved more than $7 billion in payments to producers in the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

    Perdue

    CFAP 2 provides agricultural producers with financial assistance to help absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments directed by President Trump will continue to help this critical industry recoup some of their losses from ongoing market disruptions and associated costs,” said Secretary Perdue. “This program builds upon the over $10 billion disbursed under the first round of CFAP. Agricultural producers who have been impacted by the pandemic since April 2020 are encouraged to apply for assistance.”

    Since CFAP 2 enrollment began on Sept. 21, FSA has approved more than 443,000 applications. The top five states for payments are Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois and Kansas. USDA has released a data dashboard on application progress and program payments and will release further updates each Monday at 2:00 p.m. ET. The report can be viewed at farmers.gov/cfap.

    Through CFAP 2, USDA is making available up to $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of CFAP (CFAP 1). Farmers and ranchers who participated in CFAP 1 will not be automatically enrolled and must complete a new application for CFAP 2. FSA will accept CFAP 2 applications through Dec. 11, 2020.

    Eligible Commodities

    CFAP 2 supports eligible producers of row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, aquaculture, and many other commodities, including many that were ineligible for CFAP 1. FSA’s CFAP 2 Eligible Commodities Finder makes finding eligible commodities and payment rates simple. Access this tool and other resources at farmers.gov/cfap.

    Getting Help from FSA


    New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

    FSA offers multiple options for producers to apply for CFAP 2. Producers with an eAuthentication account can apply online through the CFAP 2 Application Portal. Also available is a payment calculator and application generator that is an Excel workbook that allows producers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, signed, and submitted to the local FSA office. Producers can also download the CFAP 2 application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap.

    Producers of acreage-based commodities will use acreage and yield information provided by FSA through the annual acreage reporting process. Producers have the option to complete their application by working directly with their local FSA staff or online through the CFAP 2 Application Portal.
    CFAP 2 is not a loan program, and there is no cost to apply.

    More Information

    To find the latest information on CFAP 2, visit farmers.gov/CFAP or call 877-508-8364.

    All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in the office, by phone, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

  • Auburn Extension Economist Expects More Participation for CFAP 2

    Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension economist Adam Rabinowitz expects more growers to participate during this current sign-up period for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.

    There’s no reason for growers to wait, go ahead and sign up for the program, which continues through Dec. 11, 2020.

    Rabinowitz

    “I do expect more participation. I would encourage producers to look at this as a program that’s certainly there to help them through this current period,” Rabinowitz said. “There’s a lot of coverage there in terms of the CFAP 2 program. Anything you can imagine that’s being produced in our region is covered.”

    Vegetable and Specialty Crops Impact

    It’s especially true for vegetables and specialty crops. More than 230 fruit, vegetable, horticulture and tree nut commodities are eligible for CFAP 2. Visit farmers.gov/cfap/specialty for a full list of eligible commodities and more information on CFAP 2 eligibility and payment details related to these commodities. 

    “Virtually every specialty crop is included and is based on 2019 sales. As a percentage of those sales depending on what those total gross sales are in 2019 will be what that payment is under the CFAP 2 program,” Rabinowitz said. “There’s very little from a specialty crop standpoint that was excluded; well over 230 fruits and vegetables, nuts, nursery products as well; cut flowers, plants. We’re talking agricultural products that have never received federal assistance in the past are included in this.”

    Financial Impact

    According to the USDA, an additional $14 billion is made available for agricultural producers. The USDA will use funds being made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and CARES Act to support row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, aquaculture and many additional commodities.

    “The USDA is confident in the numbers and there’s enough funds there to cover all that. I think historically we know that in some of the specialty crop grower cases, they don’t have these programs, so they often don’t know about them and don’t take advantage of it. I’m not sure if it’s an expectation that a little uptake will take care of it or if USDA has that much confidence in their calculations, but it is pretty substantial,” Rabinowitz said. “There are payment limits that do come into play.”

  • More COVID-19 Protection Needed for Ag Workers

    town hall

    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 to strict policies assuring the health, hygiene and safety of their employees. Now, these employers have implemented even more protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    During the 46th annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum presented by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, Michael Marsh, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), spoke about essential protections for agricultural workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Marsh says growers have been doing a great job following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for agricultural workers by promoting safety on and off the farm.

    Across the agriculture sector, employers have instituted best practices including social distancing, enhanced hygiene and sanitation stations and procedures, special COVID-19 employee training, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and limitation of non-essential visits and travel.

    In addition to following CDC guidelines, industry members are also calling for the federal government to take additional steps and devote new resources to help growers protect their employees.

    Alternative housing structures to facilitate greater social distancing, accessible and timely COVID-19 testing resources, and prioritizing PPE and future vaccine distribution for the food and fiber supply chain are among the list of items that the agriculture industry would like to see addressed.

    Since hotels aren’t always available in rural communities, housing with more rooms and more beds would allow for additional social distancing among employers.

    The NCAE published a frequently asked questions document for H-2A employers regarding COVID-19 issues. See the document.

    Ashley Robinson, AgNet Media communications intern, wrote this article.

  • 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.

    Troxler

    Funding is meant to assist with losses from reduced number of vendors, plus offset additional expenses associated with offering personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and handwashing stations, and added COVID-19 educational materials.  Eligible categories for emergency aid include, but not limited to, labor, technology or software upgrades, infrastructure enhancements, COVID-19 education materials, PPE and test kits.

    “The deadline to apply is Oct. 22, which is a fairly short application period. It is imperative that operators submit their applications quickly, so we can distribute the funds quickly to meet the federal rules,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The pandemic has shown us the important role farmers markets and food hubs provide in communities. I am grateful the General Assembly approved the use of the CARES Act funds to ensure these sites continue to operate and exist.”

    Two meetings are scheduled to help with application questions. They will be held Oct. 7 from 10-11 a.m. and Oct. 8 from 7-8 p.m. To join either session, use this link or call 1-984-204-1487, then enter Conference ID 144 849 187 followed by the # key when prompted.

    The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in serious and substantial impacts on the food supply chain, including farmers markets and local food hubs across North Carolina. Some markets were not able to open due to state or local orders, and others had to reduce the number of vendors to ensure proper social distancing. Additionally, local food hubs lost sales opportunities due to mandated school closures and food service disruptions.

    Statewide there are over 250 farmers markets, over 160 roadside stands and 20 USDA registered food hubs.

    Details regarding the COVID-19 Emergency Aid for Farmers Market Operators and Local Food Hubs, including definitions of markets and food hubs, are available at http://www.ncagr.gov/disaster/documents/COVID-19.htm.