safety nets

Senators Seek Flexibility in FSA Loans

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

(NAFB) — Lawmakers are urging Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to make temporary flexibilities on Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans permanent for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a bipartisan letter signed by farm-state Senators, they urge Perdue to “take action to ensure the continuity of our country’s food supply and support rural areas during the coronavirus.” The senators seek …

coronavirus

NMPF Coronavirus Page Adds Resources for Dairy Employers, Veterinarians

Dan Dairy, Industry News Release

(NMPF) — The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) coronavirus webpage has added new information for farm employers and employees, as well as guidance for veterinarians, to help the dairy community keep up with evolving government and marketplace responses to coronavirus. Key new documents include: An NMPF/FARM Program-created guidance for farmers if an employee tests positive for COVID-19; NMPF’s two-page “What Farm Employers Need to …

eggs

FDA Issues Temporary Policy Relaxing Egg Labeling Requirements

Dan Industry News Release, Poultry

(NAFB) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is relaxing egg labeling and packaging requirements to meet consumer demands. Generally, egg cartons must include a statement of identity, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor, nutrition labeling, the net quality of contents and safe handling instructions. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer …

registration

Peanut & Agribusiness COVID-19 Relief Act Update

Dan Georgia, Industry News Release, Peanuts

(GPC) — The Georgia Peanut Commission hosted a webinar discussion with U.S. Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott. The congressmen discussed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CARES Act – Key Ag Provisions The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives moved quickly on the third relief legislation, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES …

dignity act

Coronavirus Safety Fact Sheets for Workers

Dan Alabama, Aquaculture, Beef, Cattle, Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Dairy, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Fruits, General, Georgia, Hemp, Industry, Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Peanuts, Pecans, Research, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Wheat

Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …

alabama

Alabama Agriculture Remains Essential During Stay-Home Order

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release

(ALFA) — Farmers and agricultural businesses will continue to serve Alabama residents under a stay-at-home order issued today by Gov. Kay Ivey.  The order aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 is effective Saturday at 5 p.m. and continues through April 30, unless extended.  “My fellow Alabamians, I plead with you to do your part to stop the spread of …

farm income

Commissioner Fried Encourages Florida Agriculture Businesses to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program

Dan Economy, Florida, Industry News Release

(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is advising agriculture producers, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture-related businesses to apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program is part of the CARES Act, the $2 trillion federal coronavirus response package. “Florida agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a pillar of strength through …

georgia

Georgia Governor Kemp Orders State Wide Shelter in Place Order

Dan Economy, General, Georgia, Industry News Release

(GAC) — Governor Brian P. Kemp issued a shelter in place order for the state of Georgia. The order will be effective beginning Friday, April 3rd, at 6:00 PM and expire Monday, April 13th, at 11:59 PM. GAC staff have advocated for several weeks to ensure that all sectors of Georgia’s agribusiness industry, including farms, manufacturing, fertilizer, seed, ag retail, landscape, turf …

coronavirus

Coronavirus Impact Ripples Across Farm Country

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

(AFBF) — From dairy farmers with nowhere to send their milk and cattle ranchers reeling from plummeting beef prices, the impact of the coronavirus is rippling through farm country. Corn, cotton and soybean futures have tumbled, ethanol plants have been idled, and some fruit and vegetable farmers are finding their best option is leaving produce in the field. Price forecasts …