Resources for Farmers: Covid-19
General
University of Minnesota Extension Local Foods College– The Local Foods College is an interactive distance learning opportunity for gardeners and farmers interested in community-based food systems. These free online classes are available to anyone interested in strengthening food systems.
USDA– A deep dive into the USDA’s response to the virus includes a FAQ and many additional resources. USDA fact sheet in response to COVID-19 for organic growers.
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition– A primer on programs in the Senate relief package and how they relate to the Agricultural sector and farming
Penn State- Articles on best practices on everything from farmers markets to how to access emergency funding.
Business Assistance
Small Business Administration– Provides information on subsidized loans available to business affected by the outbreak
American Farmland Trust– Created a Farmer Relief Fund to help small farmers “weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis” in the form of cash grants.
Employees
Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development– Information on how to talk about and manage the outbreak among your staff.
U of M Extension– Provides a primer on what Covid-19 is and how it could affect/change best practices on your farm includes lists of best disinfectants and sanitization practices etc.
Row Crops/Commodities
CFTC has released temporary relief for people impacted by the effects of Covid-19.
Fruit and Vegetables
MOSES Podcast– Provides guidance for market farmers on how to adapt to the outbreak.
*Audio format* for farmers interested in developing an online sales platform
Oregon Tilth– Provides information on creating web based systems to sell directly to your consumers.
Community Garden Best Practices in light of Covid-19
Dairy
Center for Dairy Excellence– Provides information on best practices within Dairy farms. Also has a list of resources more specific to dairy producers but contains some good resources for other farmers as well.
State-Specific
MN Dept of Ag Covid-19 Response
Update your directory listing on www.npsas.org. Either update it as part of your membership renewal or use the form here. Use the directory to connect with other farmers.