Governor Newsom Action on Unemployment Benefits, Including Undocumented Immigrants
On April 15, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-50-20 to support California workers impacted by the Coronavirus, including financial aid to undocumented immigrants. The state also issued a Guide for Immigrant Californians.
Employee Health Resources
A coalition of Monterey County government and industry officials updated the English and Spanish versions of their Advisory for Agricultural Workers Protection during COVID-19 Crisis on the Central Coast of California.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is offering N95 Alternatives for Pesticide Handling and Gloves Safety Tips for Handling Pesticides.
Cleaning Human-Touch Surfaces
The Food Industry Association Coronavirus Resources web page offers guidance for COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection for Human-Touch Surfaces, which is applicable to all segments of the retail food industry.
Farm to Family Food Donations
Due to the loss of contracts for food service, sadly many companies find themselves with product that cannot be sold. CDFA has facilitated connections with producers and the California Association of Food Banks as an outlet to donate food. We hosted a webinar that has resulted in over 200 NEW producers reaching out to the Farm to Family program to donate! For more information, please check out the presentation at PowerPoint Presentation and Food Donation Tax Benefit Overview to facilitate farmers, ranchers, packers and shippers donating to the CAFB Farm to Family Program to help 40+ food banks throughout the state.
Transportation
The Transportation Agency has announced three actions that are relevant to agriculture this week
- The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) News Releases page offers information about the extension of expiring commercial driver licenses and transactions now permitted via the California Department of Motor Vehicles Virtual Office
- On April 13, CalTrans announced that they will issue special permits authorizing overweight trucks to deliver emergency COVID-19 supplies, including food
- On April 17, the Governor Issued an Executive Order N-52-20, that among other actions, waives medical certificate for holders of current commercial driver’s licenses or certificates from March 1-June 30, 2020.
Nurseries
CDFA issued Guidance and Best Practices for Nurseries During COVID-19 Pandemic this week, available in English and Spanish.
Childcare
The California Department of Education (CDE) is now offering Guidance Regarding Emergency Childcare Services for Essential Workforce and At-Risk Populations.
SBA Paycheck Protection Program
The program was quite popular and as of early this week, all $349 million has been spent.
These updates and more can be found on our CDFA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Food and Agriculture web page.
Karen Ross, Secretary
California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-0433