(NPPC) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidance on critical industry workforce that should continue as the country addresses and responds to the coronavirus outbreak; U.S. food and agriculture was included among 16 critical industries. Specifically, DHS recognized as essential a variety of pork production roles. Among these critical workers: Food manufacturer employees and their supplier employees—to include those employed …
Additional Guidance from FDACS Regarding COVID-19
(FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is issuing additional guidance regarding COVID-19 for the agriculture industry, consumers, and regulated industries. “As COVID-19 further sweeps across our state, I want to remind Floridians that our food supply is safe, our agricultural industry is strong, and we’re going to get through this together,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “We are …
USDA and DOL Announce Information Sharing to Assist H-2A Employers
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to help facilitate the identification of foreign and domestic workers that may be available and eligible to transfer to other U.S. agricultural sector employers to fulfill critical workforce needs within the U.S. under existing regulatory …
Florida Lawmakers Pass $93.2 Billion Budget, Face Uncertainty
(NSF) — State lawmakers on Thursday approved a record $93.2 billion budget for next year, with attention already focused on a potential need to revisit the spending plan this summer as the novel coronavirus upends the economy. The budget (HB 5001), which takes effect July 1, was approved in a 104-0 vote by the House and a 32-0 vote by …
FFAA — Business as Near Normal as We Can Make It
(FFAA) — FFAA is working closely with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and others to ensure the agchem and grower supply chains are prioritized and deemed essential services. As of an 11:30 a.m. call on Wednesday, March 18, FDACS activities are proceeding as near normally as possible. Consideration is being given to extensions of expiring licenses and …
Georgia Farm Recovery Block Grant Application Guide OPEN!
(GFVGA) — At the end of February, Governor Kemp announced details surrounding the $347 million in federal block grant funds that the state has secured to combat the devastation incurred by Hurricane Michael. The state will began accepting applications for block grant funds. Georgia farmers and forest landowners in 95 eligible counties (see map below), who suffered losses to beef, dairy, …
Ag Producers Encouraged to Visit Farmers.Gov for Updates on Services
(USDA) — As proactive health measures are put in effect nationwide to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the USDA is taking measures to ensure the safety of its employees and customers. As a result, access to certain facilities may be limited while remaining open for business. All service center visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation …
Commissioner Rick Pate on Alabama Agriculture Food Supply Chain
(ADAI) — Since Governor Kay Ivey’s statement on March 15, 2020 on the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has continued to fulfill our regulatory responsibilities and redirected our 350 employees to work from home as needed. “Our duty is to protect food safety, ensure animal health, permit the movement of plants and the use of …
Farm Bureau Highlights Immediate Challenges Facing the Agriculture Sector
(AFBF) — American Farm Bureau has released its first assessment of the impact on farmers and ranchers in the wake of the national mitigation efforts to combat COVID-19. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, AFBF President Zippy Duvall pledged that “America’s farmers and ranchers will be with you every step of the way, doing all that we …
USDA Ensures Food Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ensuring the safety and timely delivery of the U.S. food supply while protecting the health of USDA employees during this COVID-19 National Emergency. USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach and USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears sent a letter to stakeholders reassuring them that APHIS, AMS, …