(AFBF) — As food banks struggle to keep up with dramatic increases in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers and ranchers are eager to work with the Agriculture Department to bridge the supply gap and get farm products to those in need, according to a letter from the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America. The organizations praised USDA’s leadership through …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS on Supporting Florida Dairy During COVID-19
(FDACS) — With the COVID-19 pandemic causing market challenges for agriculture producers, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are working to support Florida’s dairy farmers and processors. “We’re doing everything we can to support Florida’s dairy farmers and processors during this unprecedented challenge,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “With decreases in foodservice demand, we’re asking retailers to …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS Working for Florida Farmers During COVID-19
(FDACS) — With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruption to the nation’s agriculture industry, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have worked tirelessly to ensure that Florida’s agriculture producers are supported. Commissioner Fried has been in communication with Congress and federal agencies advocating for speedy economic relief, with major retailers and state agencies seeking additional purchases of …
New Partnerships Emerge for COVID-19 Relief
Florida Farmers Team with State Leaders to Launch Farm to Inmate Program Harvested produce crops feed Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) more than 87,000 inmates; action saves food costs while reducing COVID-19 related supply chain impacts. (FFA) — Florida farmers are uncovering new solutions to address supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Florida’s emergency order to shutter businesses …
FDA Reassures Consumers That Food is Safe
(NAFB) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants to once again reassure American consumers that food is available and safe to eat during the coronavirus outbreak. The FDA released a 30-second PSA last week designed to cut through confusion and misinformation about the food supply during the pandemic. It reiterates the message the FDA and the fresh produce industry …
Meatpackers Close a Few Plants Due to Coronavirus
(NAFB) — Fears of meatpacker employees contracting coronavirus due to the close conditions they work in have led to several facilities idling production in recent weeks. For example, Tyson Foods has temporarily ceased operations at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, after two dozen employees were found positive with the coronavirus. Politico says at least three people who work …
FFA Members Continue Doing to Learn and Living to Serve During COVID-19
(FFA) — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the country, many schools have turned to e-learning, and after-school activities have come to a halt. What hasn’t ended, however, is FFA members living out the FFA motto – Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve. Throughout the country, there are stories of FFA members and alumni …
FDACS & Commissioner Nikki Fried Create List Connecting Farmers & Buyers
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced the creation of a Florida Farm to You commodities list, connecting potential buyers with farmers and producers of Florida-grown commodities like fresh produce, seafood, poultry, and more. With restaurants and foodservice businesses closed due to COVID-19, agricultural producers across the country have struggled to sell perishable products like …
Loan Maturity for Marketing Assistance Loans Now Extended to 12 Months
Provides Producers with Marketing Flexibilities Amid COVID-19 Uncertainties (USDA) — Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this flexibility is available for most …
UF/IFAS Extension Helps Get Food Directly From Farmers to Customers During Pandemic
(UF/IFAS) — As the novel coronavirus disrupts the usual methods to deliver food from farms to consumers, UF/IFAS Extension agents are helping connect growers with customers. Two such specialists are Sarah Bostick, an agriculture agent with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County and Lisa Hickey, a sustainability agent with UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County. The two are now working together to encourage farmers …