All posts in Covid19
Emergency Fund Supports CA Family Farmers Impacted By Covid-19
Given the pressing challenges facing California farmers as a result of Covid-19, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is launching a new fund today to support those farmers most impacted […]
The Farm-to-Table Connection Comes Undone
A direct pipeline to chefs that took decades to build has been cut off by the coronavirus, leaving small farmers and ranchers with food they can’t sell.
‘A disastrous situation’: mountains of food wasted as coronavirus scrambles supply chain
Farmers are seeing produce rot in fields and dairy wash down drains as they rush to find areas of demand and prevent closures. Billions of dollars worth of food is […]
USDA: Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents & Businesses Affected by COVID-19
(Updated April 8, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep […]
La Plataforma de Compradores y Vendedores COVID-19 de CAFF
Hola campesinos y compradores, En respuesta a las interrupciones en nuestro suministro y demanda de alimentos locales debido a COVID-19, CAFF está creando una lista de productores y compradores, para […]
New CAFF Resource: How to Run CSA Pick Up Sites during COVID-19
CAFF has created a new resource for farmers that have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick up locations. The guide has tips for farmers and a sign that farmers could post […]
New CAFF Resource: How to Prepare for Farm Labor Shortages
CAFF has created a new resource to help farmers prepare for possible labor shortages due to COVID-19. The first page of this resource is a flowchart that helps farmers determine […]
With food service down, farms look for new markets
AG ALERT – Loss of business due to mass closures of restaurants, schools and corporate cafeterias in response to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders has small farms looking to collaborate as they […]
USDA Rural Development COVID-19 Resources
Actions Taken by USDA Rural Development to Help Rural Residents, Businesses, and Communities Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Podcast: Farm Sales through Online Platforms & CSA
In this episode, we discuss the legal mechanics of online sales platforms and CSA agreements as part of special coverage on COVID-19’s effects on farm businesses with Sarah Vaile, Farm Commons’ Staff […]
Navigating Disaster Assistance for Farmers
Assistance from federal programs can make a world of difference for farmers after a disaster. The next few pages outline current disaster programs, all of which are available to farmers.
On-Farm COVID-19 Food Safety Info & FAQs
By: Kali Feiereisel, MPH Senior Manager, Farmer Services Last updated: April 7th, 2020 We realize this is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. Hopefully this blog post can […]
COVID-19 Infection Prevention for Ag Employers & Employees
Updated April 5: California employers are required to establish and implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to protect employees from all worksite hazards, including infectious diseases. This guidance […]
Podcast: The Families First Act
In this episode, we explore the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family Medical Leave Act, together known as the Families First Act. We unpack each act’s paid […]
Employee Safety During COVID-19
Update 4/5/20 – CAL OSHA released this guidance document for agricultural employers to follow to protect workers from COVID-19.
Farmers’ Markets Are Crisis Lifelines to U.S. Growers and Shoppers
The coronavirus pandemic forces small farmers to rely on the internet and consumers to make up for lost restaurant sales.
New Health Order Regulations & Signage
IMPORTANT: Several CA counties have amended their Heath Orders and now require Essential Businesses (farms, farmers markets, etc.) to limit the number of people in the facility at any one […]
Donating farm products to food banks, webinar
Wednesday, April 8 from 10-11 a.m. CDFA partners with CA Association of Food Banks to provide resources and information to farmers, ranchers and food processors.
Local Food Producer Aide Implementation Letter
Letter to Secretary of Agriculture Perdue requesting relief for farmers and ranchers suffering market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Has your representative signed? If not, tell them to sign […]
The Local Food Revolution Goes Online—for Now
To survive uncertain times, small farms are pivoting to serve their local communities and compete with big box grocers online.
Direct Marketing in CA: Rules & Regs
Learn the various laws and regulations that govern direct marketing in California, including CSAs, farmers markets and farm stands.
Employee Paid Leave Rights
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The […]
Coronavirus Agricultural Worksite Checklist
Maintain a Healthy Workforce. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Individuals infected with COVID-19 and those exhibiting any of these symptoms should not […]
Small Business Resources
List of potential sources of relief funding from federal, state and local entities, compiled by the CA State Treasurer, updated regularly.
Unemployment Due to COVID-19
What if I have to lay off workers due to slowdowns in my business? Under the recently passed coronavirus relief package (aka “CARES Act”), a new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program […]
Six Bay Area counties extend stay-at-home order to May 3 with new guidelines
Essential businesses, including farms, will be required to develop a social distancing protocol before April 3. Currently this applies only to six Bay Area counties, but there’s a good chance […]
CA Agricultural Mediation Program
Need help resolving farm and business-related disputes? Free service from Dept. of Ag. with an impartial person to assist parties negotiate differences…
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by directing $349 billion towards job retention and business operating expenses.
Emergency Mini-grants for Livestock Farmers
Mini-grants of up to $500 for crisis-affected livestock and poultry farmers for materials, services or equipment that would help them to transition to an online or alternative sales strategy or […]
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up […]
Guide to COVID-19 Loans & forms
If you have suffered substantial economic injury and are one of the following types of businesses located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury […]
COVID-19 Small Business Survival Guide
Need help navigating through the chaos COVID-19? This Guide from the U.S. Small Business Development Center is here to help, from loans to labor to answering questions regarding how your […]
Farming During COVID: A Webinar Series on Adapting to Crisis
Join us for a free webinar series designed to help California family farmers and ranchers adapt, stay informed and keep our local food system going strong. Learn from fellow producers […]
A Closer Look at Farmer Relief in Senate Pandemic Aid Package
As farmers and communities all across the country continue to deal with the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Congress has been working around the clock to pass another round […]
CA FarmLink: Emergency Loans, Business Assistance & More
If you are experiencing difficulties with your finances, FarmLink is here for you! To help farmers and ranchers withstand a loss of income and other business interruptions, they offer many […]
Guidance for Limited Reuse of N95 Filtering Respirators in Agriculture
To minimize the demand on NIOSH-certified N95 filtering respirators (commonly called “N95 respirators”) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this document discusses the option of limited reuse of N95 respirators. This document […]
COVID-19 FAQ for U-Pick Farms
Best practices and steps for farm managers. Employees should use gloves when handling money, or considering using cards to limit transfer of cash. If money is handled, hands should be […]
COVID-19 FAQ for Farm Stands
Simple one-pager: steps for farm stand operators. Communicate with customers through signs or social media asking them to stay home if displaying symptoms. Provide hand sanitizer at the front of […]
Farm to Freezer: The Logistics of Online Sales & Shipping Meat
Webinar: Apr 2, 2020 at 9AM. Topics will include: setting up an online store, different web platforms, accepting payments, updating inventory, meat selection, subscriptions versus ala-carte orders, boxes, insulation, dry […]
FSA: Loans, Disaster assistance, Safety net programs
USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only. Farm loans; Disaster assistance programs, Safety net programs, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is relaxing the loan-making process and adding […]
Online Sales Platforms for Farmers (video)
Watch this webinar to learn more about direct-to-consumer online sales platforms. Hear from representatives from four online food sales platforms: Barn2Door, Harvie, Local Food Marketplace, Food4All, Open Food Network…
Farmer Relief Fund
AFT’s Farmer Relief Fund will award farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Farm Operational Continuity Template
What if you or members of your crew get sick? Use this template, combining standard operations procedures with emergency planning to help keep your farm going when unexpected events happen.
Farmers’ Market Response & Best Practices: COVID19
As COVID19 is is rapidly changing, we will also update this guide. Please check back frequently for tips, best practices, communication, signs and alternative market models, such as Drive Thru […]
COVID19 Info & Resources for CA Immigrants
Resources and info on COVID19, including fact sheets in multiple languages. Insurance, health, rights, mutual aid and more.
Congress Steps Up to Support Family Farmers
Washington, DC – Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), a nonprofit organization that serves small- and mid-scale farmers in California, issued the following statement from Policy Director Dave Runsten in […]
Washing Station Matters for Small Farms: Free Online Mini-Course
This April, sign up to access this free online course exploring design principles that make a wash and pack station not only compliant with regulations but also facilitate an efficient […]
Sign Up for Buyer/Seller Support: COVID-19
Are you in need of support to help sell, buy, or otherwise distribute local food in California as a result of impacts caused by COVID-19? Fill out this form and […]
San Diego farmers find new models for marketing food
They are creating new means of food distribution amid coronavirus closures and farmers’ market shutdowns. San Diego farmers devised inventive ways to get their produce to customers last week, as […]
Tell Congress: Support Family Farms & Local Food During COVID-19 Crisis!
The global COVID-19 pandemic is touching every part of our lives, including food and agriculture. Necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus have resulted in the immediate loss […]
Farm Industry Critical Needs projection
Please use the below form to list any current or anticipated supply shortfalls that cannot be resolved through your procurement systems. Recognizing that farms are part of the State’s critical […]
Employee Transit Letter
On March 19th, Gov. Newsom issued an executive order directing California residents to “Shelter-In-Place.” However, Gov. Newsom’s order allows people employed in critical jobs like food production to move freely […]
CSA Tools & Resources During COVID19
With COVID-19 rapidly evolving, we at CAFF are actively compiling CSA-specific tools and information to help farmers adapt, stay safe and continue to provide healthy food for their local communities…
Farmers’ markets open during coronavirus outbreak. But farmers’ livelihoods remain uncertain
The North Berkeley Farmers’ Market was surprisingly bustling on Thursday afternoon, with farmers hawking petite cone cabbages, oyster mushrooms and golden beets. Hand sanitizer and handwashing stations greeted people upon […]
Coronavirus Aid Must Help Farmers Keep Foothold in Local Food Economies
While the Trump administration prioritizes bailouts for airlines and other big businesses, it’s an imperative to support the family farms that put food on our plates. That’s why groups representing farmers […]
Farmers Markets & Farming During COVID-19: How Can Consumers Help?
Most cities and counties in California have deemed farmers markets as “essential services. With the COVID-19 outbreak spreading and shelter-in-place orders coming down across the state, we at CAFF are […]
Is Your Farmers Market Closed? Send this Letter!
Is your farmers market closed because of COVID-19? Use this template letter to urge your local government to reopen the market, recognizing it as an essential business keeping your community […]
COVID-19 & its Impacts on the Farm and Food System
A policy update from CAFF’s advocacy coalition in D.C., the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: The rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic is already causing significant impacts across the entirety of our US […]
What can consumers do to support farms & local food system during Covid-19?
What Can Consumers Do During the COVID-19 Crisis to Support Family Farms & Our Local Food System? While confusion abounds during this ever-developing COVID-19 crisis, one thing is clear: a […]
Guidance for Businesses & Employers: COVID-19
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed […]
The Fight to Keep Farmers’ Markets Open During Coronavirus
In communities nationwide, farmers and market managers are making the case for continuing to sell local food with precautions in place against COVID-19. At the downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market last […]
CSA & Online Sales during Covid-19
SELLING DIRECT & ONLINE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, many farmers are being forced to reconsider their sales outlets. While there may be no […]
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 […]
Coronavirus & CA Farmers Markets
CORONAVIRUS & CA FARMERS MARKETS As the full affects of Covid-19 continue unfolding, we at CAFF are watching closely to find out how this pandemic will impact California family farmers […]
Community Alliance with Family Farmers’ Statement on Governor’s Announcement on COVID-19 Actions
For Immediate Release: March 15, 2020 Sacramento, CA – Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), a nonprofit organization that serves small- and mid-scale farmers in California, issued the following statement […]