Date last updated: November 25, 2020
We’ve gathered resources from across the country and hope these listings will help local farmers, ranchers and producers navigate the Covid-19 crisis. Categories of resources are: Food Safety, Financial Assistance, Marketing, Labor and Workplace and Miscellaneous.
Food Safety Resources for Producers:
Missoula County Health Department COVID-19 Page (updated 11/25/2020)
- The Missoula County Coronavirus Hotline is reachable at (406) 258-4636, 8 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday. Missoula County maintains an up-to-date web resource for people looking for local and state information on the spread of coronavirus in our community. Available resources include timeline and live updates of state and county orders and closures, how to get tested in Missoula, daily briefings, and general guidance for businesses, organizations, households, schools, and travelers.
FDA’s guidelines for Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) (updated 11/25/2020)
- The Food And Drug Administration makes regulations for all food safety systems in the United States and has developed this page as a resource. The federal government (in addition to state and local governments) has deemed that “all components of the food industry are considered critical infrastructure and it is, therefore, vital that they continue to operate.” To that end, this page lists federal guidelines for workplace sanitation (including on the farm and in food processing facilities), maintaining social distancing protocols in kitchen and retail environments, and how to handle food workers that are sick. Additionally, the FDA has relaxed food and nutrition labeling requirements to allow flexibility in packaging and labeling to expedite the time to get new products to market. The temporary policy regarding nutrition labeling can be found here.
- Food facilities and farms can report a closure or a reduction in operations and/or request assistance for a human food establishment regulated by the FDA, excluding restaurant, retail food establishments, and animal food operations. Read the full guidance for additional information “Reporting a Temporary Closure or Significantly Reduced Production by a Human Food Establishment and Requesting FDA Assistance During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.”
UC Davis COVID19 Food Safety Resources.
- UC Davis has collected a large volume of resources for COVID19 related food safety guidelines. The new guidelines include produce safety and human health and hygiene for produce growers, u-pick operations, farm stands, and agribusiness, among others.
ATTRA COVID-19 Response Resources
- ATTRA has now made all its resources online available for free! Their COVID-19 Response page has lots of resources on everything from food safety to marketing adjustments and a list of financial assistance opportunities.
Financial Assistance Resources for Producers:
The coronavirus crisis has impacted small businesses in many ways and many financial institutions are being more flexible about providing no late fees, 0% interest, etc. Check with your lending institution if you need to delay payments, they may have options for you!
USDA Coronavirus Assistance Program 2 (CFAP-2)
- Are you a farmer or rancher whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? USDA is implementing Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Apply for assistance before Dec. 11th 2020!!
ATTRA COVID-19 Response Resources
- ATTRA has now made all its resources online available for free! Their COVID-19 Response page has lots of resources on everything from food safety to marketing adjustments and a list of financial assistance opportunities.
Farmers’ Legal Action Group COVID-19 Assistance and Relief Resources
- FLAG’s frequently updated list of COVID-19 related farmer assistance and relief programs is a one-stop resource to keep up-to-date on the latest information about these programs.
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition COVID-19 Resources
- Another one-stop shop for financial assistance, funding and other COVID-19 related resources for farmers, ranchers and producers.
Marketing Resources for Producers:
Local Food Systems Response to COVID-19
- The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service along with the University of Kentucky launched a resource hub for local food systems, sharing innovations and best practices developed on the ground in response to COVID-related shifts in local markets
- Webinars on the 3rd Monday of each month for a facilitated cross-sectoral discussion on topics including customer retention and engagement, emergency food, cooperative business models, state policies and consumer behavior
Questions for Considering Online Sales
- This guide from Oregon Tilth includes a one-hour, recorded webinar Online Sales Platforms for Farmers, and provides guiding questions to help you determine which online sales platform is right for your farm. Their staff has collected the answers to all the questions from five different platforms to get you started.
Direct Sales Software Comparison
- This quick reference, created by the National Young Farmers Coalition identifies 14 different platforms for online sales, comparing the features and pricing for each.
Labor and Workplace Resources for Producers:
Agricultural Workers and Employees Interim CDC Guidance (11/10/20)
- Guidelines from the CDC and US Department of Labor cover workplace risk management assessment, screening and monitoring workers, care and management of sick employees, and workplace control plans. Additional guidance covers special considerations for shared housing, shared transportation, and children of workers.
OSHA’s Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- OSHA’S Guidance for preparing workplaces for COVID-19. This resource provides a more general overview of how COVID-19 could impact workplaces and how to avoid risk.
Montana Department of Labor and Industry COVID-19 Response
- This webpage has lists of FAQs and information for both employers and employees. Additionally, there is information and a FAQ list regarding the new CARES Act that was recently passed.
Comprehensive Resources
Many of the resources listed above focus on a specific category and also cover a few topics that will fit into some of the other categories, however, many organizations have created lists that cover a broad range of topics in all of the above categoires. Here are some:
ATTRA COVID-19 Response Resources
- ATTRA has now made all its resources online available for free! Their COVID-19 Response page has lots of resources on everything from food safety to marketing adjustments and a list of financial assistance opportunities.
Farm Commons Covid-19 Resources
- Everything from starting a brand-new farm business in the midst of COVID-19 to CFAP-2 assistance, funding opportunities, marketing workshops and more, you can find it here!
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition COVID-19 Resources
- Another one-stop shop for financial assistance, funding and other COVID-19 related resources for farmers, ranchers and producers.
Know of a great resource that we should add? Email jenny@missoulacfac.org.