California Ag Network

Tag: Corona Virus

  • Meals for Children from Low-Income Families Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a request from California to allow meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to the coronavirus. These meals are available at no cost to low-income children – and are not required to be served in a group setting – to ensure kids receive nutritious meals while schools are temporarily closed.

    “USDA stands with the people of California as a part of a federal-wide coordinated response,” said Brandon Lipps, Deputy Under Secretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. “The flexibility provided by the waiver approved today will help ensure that our children get wholesome meals, safeguarding their health during times of need.”

    The waiver is effective immediately and will continue through June 30, 2020. USDA stands ready to provide additional assistance to the people of California and other areas impacted by the coronavirus as allowed by law and in coordination with the much larger government-wide response.

    All Food and Nutrition Service programs – including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs – have flexibilities and contingencies built-in to allow them to respond to on-the-ground realities in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. For more information about the coronavirus response across USDA, please visit: https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

    USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15  nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the  Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.

  • FSA Adjusts Farm Loan, Disaster, Conservation and Safety Net Programs

    FSA Services Available by Phone Appointment Only: USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices are open by phone appointment only until further notice, and FSA staff are available to continue helping agricultural producers with program signups, loan servicing and other important actions. Additionally, FSA is relaxing the loan-making process and adding flexibilities for servicing direct and guaranteed loans to provide credit to producers in need. FSA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into to the office, they will be working with our agricultural producers by phone and using email and online tools whenever possible.

    “FSA programs and loans are critical to America’s farmers and ranchers, and we want to continue our work with customers while taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “We recognize that farm loans are critical for annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs and cash flow through times like this. FSA is working to find and use every option and flexibility to provide producers with credit options and other program benefits.”

    FSA is delivering programs and services, including:

    • Farm loans;
    • Commodity loans;
    • Farm Storage Facility Loan program;
    • Disaster assistance programs, including signup for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (this includes producers now eligible because of losses due to drought and excess moisture in 2018 and 2019);
    • Safety net programs, including 2020 signup for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs;
    • Conservation programs; and
    • Acreage reports.

    Relaxing the Farm Loan-Making Process

    FSA is relaxing the loan-making process, including:

    • Extending the deadline for applicants to complete farm loan applications;
    • Preparing Direct Loans documents even if FSA is unable to complete lien and record searches because of closed government buildings. Once those searches are complete, FSA would close the loan; and
    • Closing loans if the required lien position on the primary security is perfected, even for loans that require additional security and those lien searches, filings and recordings cannot be obtained because of closed government buildings.

    Servicing Direct Loans

    FSA is extending deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers.

    FSA will temporarily suspend loan accelerations, non-judicial foreclosures, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will make the determination whether to stop foreclosures and evictions on accounts under its jurisdiction.

    Servicing Guaranteed Loans

    Guarantee lenders can self-certify, providing their borrowers with:

    • Subsequent-year operating loan advances on lines of credit;
    • Emergency advances on lines of credit.

    FSA will consider guaranteed lender requests for:

    • Temporary payment deferral consideration when borrowers do not have a feasible plan reflecting that family living expenses, operating expenses and debt can be repaid; and
    • Temporary forbearance consideration for borrowers on loan liquidation and foreclosure actions.

    Contacting FSA

    FSA will be accepting additional forms and applications by facsimile or electronic signature. Some services are also available online to customers with an eAuth account, which provides access to the farmers.gov portal where producers can view USDA farm loan information and payments and view and track certain USDA program applications and payments. Customers can track payments, report completed practices, request conservation assistance and electronically sign documents. Customers who do not already have an eAuth account can enroll at farmers.gov/sign-in.

    FSA encourages producers to contact their county office to discuss these programs and temporary changes to farm loan deadlines and the loan servicing options available. For Service Center contact information, visit farmers.gov/coronavirus.

  • USDA-APHIS Impact Report: Protecting 900 Million Acres of Farmland

    The USDA seal includes the inscription “Agriculture is the foundation of manufacturing and commerce.” It’s fair to say that it is also the foundation of a stable and caring society because agriculture feeds and clothes the people. For nearly 50 years, it’s been the job of APHIS to protect American agriculture’s ability to feed and clothe the world by keeping it healthy. Every American and untold millions of people around the world benefit from healthy and profitable U.S. farms and ranches. It is my honor on behalf of over 8,400 employees, working in all 50 States, 4 territories, and 35 countries to report to you on APHIS’ accomplishments in 2019. Some of the highlights include:

    • 100 percent of the United States is now free of the plum pox virus, thanks to the work of Plant Protection and Quarantine, ending a 20-year battle with the most devastating viral disease of stone fruit worldwide.
    • Unlike those in many countries, Americans don’t have to face African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, because Veterinary Services ensured there were no incursions of these most devastating of foreign animal diseases.
    •  More than 700 million air passengers flew more safely because Wildlife Services protected them from wildlife strikes at more than 870 U.S. airports and military bases around the globe.
    •  Dogs in breeding operations, primates in research projects, and zoo animals all were safer and healthier because 99 percent of Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensees and registrants are in substantial compliance thanks to inspections, guidance, and outreach by Animal Care.
    •  All Americans have a more abundant and more affordable food supply, and many others overcame devastating hardships, because more than 1,300 APHIS employees took time away from their families, homes, and regular duties to fight 38 emergency incidents like pest and disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other threats to U.S. agriculture and health and safety.

    And that’s just a small representation of the things reflected in our 2019 Impact Report. Please consider these numbers:

    • APHIS protected 900 million acres of U.S. farmland.
    • APHIS made it possible for $137 billion in U.S. agricultural exports to move around the world.
    • APHIS helped keep 21.6 million Americans employed in U.S. agriculture, food, and related industries.

    I hope you’ll take some time to review the APHIS 2019 Impact Report to find out more about the impact of

    our work across the nation and worldwide.

     

    You can also find more information about the impact of APHIS’ work by viewing the short videos linked below. Our Deputy Administrators tell the story of an agency with many missions, but one common purpose: keeping the American people fed, clothed, and safe.

    Kevin Shea

    Administrator

     

     

    Deputy Administrator Video Messages:

     

    Animal Health 

    Deputy Administrator Burke Healey

     

    Animal Welfare

    Deputy Administrator Betty Goldentyer

     

    Biotechnology

    Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez

     

    Global Trade

    Deputy Administrator Cheryle Blakely

     

    Plant Health

    Deputy Administrator Osama El-Lissy

     

    Wildlife Damage Management

    Deputy Administrator Janet Bucknall

     

  • American Flower Industry Suffering Staggering Losses

    The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has American consumers focused on purchasing necessities like toilet paper, hand soap and food. What they’re not purchasing is flowers on their way to check out, and that’s a problem.

    In a conference call on Friday, March 20, over 50 California flower farmers discussed the devastation their farming industry is experiencing due to lack of demand from consumers,  canceled orders from industry outlets and transportation line shutdowns. The bottom line, according to American flower farmers: If the general public doesn’t start buying American Grown Flowers immediately, the American flower industry, its farmers, wholesale distributors, retail designers and all the people who work in those businesses cannot survive.

    In fact, several flower farmers on the call said they’re less than a week away from complete ruin. “America’s flower farmers, the floral industry and all of their employees are teetering on economic devastation” said Dave Pruitt, CEO for The California Cut Flower Commission and administrator of Certified American Grown Flowers. “These people literally cannot hold on without support from consumers. We urge our fellow Americans to please consider purchasing fresh American Grown Flowers and Greens the next time you’re in the store, and ask for our flowers to be added back into the distribution pipeline as a valued agricultural commodity.”

    While a handful of retailers nationwide continue to carry flowers, many grocery brands and distributors are canceling orders or turning deliveries away. Farmers also express difficulty with getting their blooms and greens transported due to confusion around agricultural products and their exemption from the restrictions. “Our Certified American Grown farmers are out in their local communities now assisting the overworked people in the best ways we know – delivering flowers and greens to help alleviate stress and bring moments of joy. We encourage you all to BUY FLOWERS where you can, SHARE THEM and let’s make sure that all farmers are still in business when this crisis is over. Once gone, a farm may be gone forever,” said Rita Jo Shoultz, owner of Alaska Perfect Peony and chair of the Certified American Grown Council.

    “A Rutger’s University Study indicated that flowers bring happiness. In the home, they support self care, provide joy, hope and healing,” Shoultz added. “Flowers help counteract negative messages and darkness prevalent at this very moment. Flowers will assuage troubled minds and bring peace to hearts and souls in this time of anxiety and fear.”

    Today, flower farmers are asking consumers to purchase a bunch of flowers next time they’re in stores to buy essentials. That purchase could make the difference in an entire industry – one we count on to add beauty to life’s celebrations, express love and decorate our homes.

    About Certified American Grown

    Launched on July 1, 2014, Certified American Grown Flowers represents a unified and diverse coalition of U.S. flower farms, including small and large entities in multiple states across the country. Certified American grown flower farms participate in an independent, third-party supply-chain audit to verify both origin and assembly of the flowers they grow. When it appears on bouquets, bunches and other packaging or store signage, the Certified American Grown Flowers logo gives consumers confidence in the source of their flowers and assures them that the flowers they purchase come from a domestic American flower farm. For more information about Certified American Grown Flowers, visit americangrownflowers.com.

    About the California Cut Flower Commission

    The California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) unites the state’s approximately 225 flower farmers to advance California’s $320 million flower industry. In addition to providing cooperative marketing opportunities and administering advocacy efforts, the commission has positioned the California Grown brand as a highly recognizable, consumer-facing brand to drive sales of the state’s fresh flowers and foliage. Learn more at ccfc.org.

     

     

  • Meat and Poultry Producers Provide Food for Families in Pandemic

    The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said meat and poultry producers are leaning in to continue efforts to meet the global demand for meat under difficult circumstances.

    “As the Coronavirus began to spread overseas, our members acted to protect their employees and develop contingency plans to ensure plants could still provide food for families around the world,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “With increased demand in retail, our members acted quickly to adapt, taking steps to keep operations running at normal or increased capacity.”

    Meat and poultry retail sales increased 7.3% for the week ending March 8, 2020, and deli meat sales advanced 4.8% due to a shift from foodservice production. (Data and insights provided by IRI and 210 Analytics, LLC.) For more detailed information go here.

    “In these uncertain times, the data shows consumers are turning to meat and poultry to provide their families with the nourishment and comfort they need,” Potts said. “Our members are committed to meeting this need.”

    Recognizing the pressure on employees, especially hourly employees with children out of school and day care, companies have acted immediately to enhance benefits, including paid sick leave and improving access to health care to treat or detect the virus and waiving co-pays and deductibles. The Meat Institute is working with members and the federal government to anticipate and address other labor concerns.

    Companies are educating employees on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. They also recognize the critical value of the personal effort and sacrifice of employees up and down the food supply chain.

    “Perhaps most important is the generosity of member companies in donating meat or funds to foodbanks and other charities to support those in need in their communities,” said Potts.

    The Meat Institute is working with livestock groups, food and beverage industry trade associations, manufacturing organizations, USDA, congress and the White House to ensure meat and poultry producers can operate as critical infrastructure.

    “Member plants must be allowed to keep running to provide critical protein to the food supply chain,” said Potts. “The Meat Institute is encouraging members to work with state and local health authorities to enhance their understanding of meat production, especially the extensive and frequent cleaning and sanitation of facilities.”

    Communicating industry concerns to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Meat Institute sought and gained assurances that inspection service will continue and that actions are being taken to address labor shortages caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The Meat Institute signed a letter to federal, state, and local leaders across the country urging them to follow federal guidelines in exempting meat packing facilities, including suppliers and truck drivers, from gathering restrictions and curfews related to the Coronavirus. Emerging inconsistent policies have created confusion and delay in several areas of the United States.

    Mindful of the disruption the Coronavirus pandemic has caused in the cattle markets, the Meat Institute is working with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and committed to do everything it can to alleviate the adverse effects the pandemic is having on these critically important suppliers.

    “Everyone benefits from a transparent marketing system that ensures effective price discovery,” said Potts, “Simply put, packers need cattle producers and cattle producers need packers, and the nation’s consumers need us working together.”

    The North American Meat Institute is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry.  The Meat Institute’s members process the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as manufacture the equipment and ingredients needed to produce the safest and highest quality meat and poultry products.

  • Pistachio Extract Fights Off Bacterial & Viral Infections

    With the panic of an international pandemic, citizens are flocking the grocery stores stockpiling essential food and supplies. Recent studies suggest that pistachios should be on that list of groceries to stock up on too. In addition to their known health properties, recent published research shows that pistachio extract can thwart and even kill certain bacteria and viruses. Watch this brief video with Judy Hirigoyen from American Pistachio Growers and read more about it in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Guidance to Prevent the Transmission of COVID-19 in Food and Beverage Venues

    Today California officials issued guidance regarding retail food, beverage and other service venues. These venues bring people from multiple communities into close contact with each other and have the potential to increase the transmission of COVID-19.

    “These are aggressive, but necessary actions to protect our communities,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We all have a role to play when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. These establishments that are remaining open should think creatively about how they can continue to provide services to the community. Shifting operations to focus on pick up and delivery options should be prioritized.”

    The guidance will protect individuals attending and working at these venues and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community

    Retail Beverage Service Venues:

    • Bars, wineries, breweries and pubs should be closed, except for restaurants that contain bars that serve meals provided by a full kitchen (see restaurant guidance below).
    • This guidance is not intended to affect production of beer and wine.
    • Bars, breweries, pubs, and wineries that include meals provided by a full kitchen should follow the restaurant guidance below.


    Restaurants/Cafeterias:

    • Reduce occupancy and capacity by 50 percent.
    • Increase frequency of cleaning of menus, cash registers, receipt trays, condiment holders, writing instruments and other non-food contact surfaces that are frequently touched.
    • Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate together, stand in line together, etc.
    • Limiting the number of people in lines.
    • Separate spaces in the dining area into smaller components.
    • Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing per CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection guidance.
    • Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
    • Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
    • Restaurants that have drive-through or other pick-up/delivery options should encourage use of these when possible.


    Food Trucks:

    • Increase frequency of cleaning of menus, cash registers, receipt trays, condiment holders, writing instruments and other non-food contact surfaces that are frequently touched.
    • Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate together, stand in line together, etc.
    • Limiting the number of people in lines.
    • Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing per CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection guidance of all hard surfaces.
    • Remind employees of best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.


    Grocery Stores and Charitable Food Distribution Sites

    • Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
    • Limiting the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
    • Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
    • Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
    • Stores that have online ordering with outside pick-up or delivery options should encourage use of these when possible instead of indoor shopping.


    Certified Farmers’ Markets

    • Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
    • Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
    • Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
    • Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
    • Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
    • Suspend sampling activities.
    • Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
    • Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.


    The full guidance is available here.

    California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on California Department of Public Health’s Guidance page.

    For more information on COVID-19 and California’s response visit the California Department of Public Health’s website.