COVID-19 RESPONSE & RESOURCES
FOR CALIFORNIA FAMILY FARMS
With the COVID-19 outbreak spreading and a statewide shelter-in-place order from the Governor, we at CAFF are compiling tips, resources and guideline to help keep you safe, informed and in business during this crisis. We’re also busy advocating in Sacramento to protect our local food system, from assuring our farmers markets are deemed “essential businesses” and remain open to the public to encouraging state support for farmers needing to transition their sales outlets in the face of mass closures of schools, company cafeterias and restaurants. We will continue to update this page, so stay tuned.
Have you lost sales outlets due to the current crisis?
Or is your food business looking for new sources of farm products?
CAFF has created a spreadsheet here designed to match up needs and surplus in the California food system.
Have additional questions or need to speak with someone at CAFF?
Financial Assistance
Farmers: Need Help Covering Your Covid-19 Business Costs?
(Español abajo) Looking for a way to cover costs — particularly those driven by market changes — incurred during the pandemic? The new Pandemic Response
Latest Round of Federal Funding for Farmers Impacted by COVID-19: Limited Time, Apply Now!
Note: Translated application and fact sheets are available in Hmong (Hmong), 한국어(Korean), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Español (Spanish), اردو (Urdu), and Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) found here. The
Ca Relief Grants: Farmer Applications Open for Round 6
Learn how to apply for the California Relief Grant
Newest Round of Federal COVID-19 Aid for Farmers More Accessible
The USDA is handing out $14 billion of CCC/CARES money as CFAP 2.0. The new program is a marked improvement on the last version with more eligible
Where Government Aid Falls Short, Grassroots Fund Helps Family Farms
Second round of grants to 36 farmers totals $90,000 Davis, CA – Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) announced the second round of emergency assistance
Federal Aid for Farmers: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Yesterday the White House announced that farmers may begin applying for direct payments as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) through their local
Fund Supports Family Farmers Falling Through the Cracks of COVID-19 Crisis
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) announced the first round emergency assistance grants to California farmers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic earlier today. Most of
Take Steps Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Assistance
Since the COVID-19 crisis hit, CAFF has been working hard with our allies at the state and national levels, urging our government to not only
EIDL Disaster Loan Applications Now Open to Farms
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories were able to apply for an Economic
Farmers Now Eligible for Federal Funds
This week the Senate passed the latest aid package, which is now on its way to the House for a likely vote and the President
$3 billion Available to Food Hubs Distributors to Feed Those in Need
Local and regional distributors funded to procure and provide boxes of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks and other non-profits serving Americans
Financial Resources from CA FarmLink
CA FarmLink connects farmers and ranchers with financing, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, forgivable if used for payroll and other eligible expenses.
USDA Announces Coronavirus Food & Farm Assistance Program
(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new U.S. Department of Agriculture
CA announces $125 million fund for undocumented immigrants impacted by coronavirus
California’s $75 million Disaster Relief Fund will support undocumented Californians impacted by COVID-19 who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and disaster relief, including the CARES Act,
Emergency fund to help Calif farmers
AG CLIPS – Effort to support farmers most impacted by COVID-19, economic turmoil. Given the pressing challenges facing California farmers as a result of Covid-19,
Fondo de emergencia lanzado para apoyar Agricultores familiares de California afectados por Covid-19
Davis, CA – Debido a los desafíos apremiantes que enfrentan los agricultores de California como resultado de Covid-19, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) está
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
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
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
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.
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
Small Business Resources
List of potential sources of relief funding from federal, state and local entities, compiled by the CA State Treasurer, updated regularly.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Food, Farm & Worker Safety
How to be a Good CSA Member This Season
Your partner farm provides fresh, healthy, safe food every week. Here are ways you can ensure you’re helping maintain a safe and responsible environment for
New FDA Guidance on FSMA Qualified Exempt Requirements During Covid
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released temporary guidance on the requirements that farms must meet to be considered qualified exempt under the Federal
New CDC Resource on Facemasks in Agriculture
Today (4/24/20) CDC released a new webpage providing information on facemasks, face coverings, and respirator use in agriculture. The article explains what type of face
Updated CDC Guidance on Critical Workers
Updated 4/24/20 – To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential
Webinar: Farmers Markets during COVID
Webinar recording from the California Association of Farmers Markets covering best practices, tips, presentations from managers from across the state and more.
On-Farm Food Safety Webinar
On 4/8/20 CAFF gave a webinar answering dozens of questions on on-farm food safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Judith Redmond from Full Belly Farm
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
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
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.
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,
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
COVID19 Info & Resources for CA Immigrants
Resources and info on COVID19, including fact sheets in multiple languages. Insurance, health, rights, mutual aid and more.
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
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
Sales & Marketing Resources
Persevering Through COVID-19: Schools Support Food Access in San Mateo County
PERSEVERING THROUGH COVID-19: Schools Support Food Access in San Mateo County California schools, a significant market for family farmers, are critical sources of food access
Reconnecting Markets, Feeding Communities
RECONNECTING MARKETS, FEEDING COMMUNITIES Food System Supply & Demand during COVID-19 Are you seeking new markets and new customers during the COVID-19 crisis? Have you
Plataformas de software de venta directa
Mientras mercados, restaurantes, y otros canales de distribución de comida cierran o reducen operaciones para prevenir el contagio de COVID-19, granjas en todo el país
Guidance for Farm Direct Sales & U-Pick during COVID-19
The following is intended to help guide agriculture entities that engage in Farm Direct Sales (farm store or farm stand) and support farm visit activities,
State Program Puts Food Industry Back to Work, Sources from Local Farms to Feed Seniors in Need
Last week, Governor Newsom announced the launch of a first-in-the-nation “Great Plates Delivered” program, a state-funded meal delivery service with two goals: 1) help seniors
How To Be A Good Farmers Market Customer
To assure our farmers markets stay open, accessible and safe for everyone, it’s gonna take everyone doing their part on both sides of the booth.
Farm to Family Program
$2 million in USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding for CAFB to support harvesting, packing and shipping of donated specialty crop products. In addition, the
Take Your Local Food Online (Webinar)
Take Your Local Food Online provided practical information and tips from farmers using online sales platforms. Platforms covered in this video include: Woo Commerce —
New Guidance for Operating Certified Farmers’ Markets During COVID-19
Updated 4/21 by the CDFA: This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The
Webinar: Farmers Markets during COVID
Webinar recording from the California Association of Farmers Markets covering best practices, tips, presentations from managers from across the state and more.
Direct Sales Software Platforms
This publication highlights product options and sales models that farmers may find helpful. While markets, restaurants, and other food distribution channels close or reduce operations
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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?
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
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
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,
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.
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
Other Business Resources
FARM SURVEY: COVID-19 in the Workplace
(CAFF and the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety invite you to complete a short survey about your experience addressing COVID-19 in
Updated CDC Guidance on Critical Workers
Updated 4/24/20 – To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential
COVID Update: CA Dept. of Food & Ag
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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…
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
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
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
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
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
CAFF Advocacy for Farms & Local Food Systems
Reflections on USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0
Applications for the USDA’s CFAP-2 (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0) closed last week on October 12th. CFAP-2 was the second round of federal funding for
Farmers’ Market Workers Should be Included in 1B Vaccine Group
January 15, 2021 To: Dr Erica Pan, CDPH; Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, OSG; Community Vaccine Advisory Committee Members CC: Honorable Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary Karen
More Funds for Farmers Impacted by COVID-19 & Economic Crisis
For many family farmers reeling from the economic turmoil of COVID-19, sorely needed emergency relief never came because the government programs intended to serve them
2020 CAFF Survey
CAFF’s ANNUAL SURVEY Your voice matters! By taking the time to complete this survey, you help guide CAFF’s work and advocacy to better serve and
ACTION ALERT! Tell Congress: Local Farms Need COVID-19 Relief
The majority of farmers selling local foods have suffered severe market disruptions due to COVID-19, yet the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) has left
Don’t Let Congress Ignore Small Farms Yet Again!
In the last COVID aid package, congress approved $16 billion to support U.S. agriculture. But how much of that money found its way to the
USDA’s COVID-19 Farmer Relief Will Leave Out Farmers Most Impacted by Crisis
Thousands of Farmers and Ranchers Working to Feed their Communities Will Not be Fairly Compensated for Losses
Urging Congress to Protect Organic Food & Ag During Pandemic
As a member of the Organic Farmers Alliance in D.C., CAFF joined in urging congress to include provisions in the next coronavirus relief package to
EIDL Disaster Loan Applications Now Open to Farms
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories were able to apply for an Economic
State Program Puts Food Industry Back to Work, Sources from Local Farms to Feed Seniors in Need
Last week, Governor Newsom announced the launch of a first-in-the-nation “Great Plates Delivered” program, a state-funded meal delivery service with two goals: 1) help seniors
Don’t Let the USDA Leave You Out
ACTION ALERT! As farmers and ranchers across the country are feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA is preparing to distribute $16 billion in direct
CAFF Participating in Survey of Farm Workers During COVID-19
Farmworkers are considered essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis and continue to work on California farms and ranches. In order to ensure that these workers’
COVID-19 USDA Farm Stimulus Packages
On Friday, the White House announced that it will direct $19 billion in funds to aid farmers and ranchers during the coronavirus crisis. CAFF and
New Legislation, Crucial Support to Family Farmers & Ranchers
On April 13, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced landmark legislation to provide debt relief to small farmers across the country. The Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act issues one-time debt
Urge Congress to help get Covid-19 money out the door to farmers
ACTION ALERT! The U.S. Department of Agriculture is weighing how to spend $9.5 billion in relief for farmers, ranchers and local food systems, already allocated
CAFF Policy Update: COVID-19
Updated 4/10/20 (we will continue to update this document as new developments unfold and as new information is released) CARES Federal programs In the face
News: COVID-19, Agriculture & Local Food
COVID-19 Sparks a Rebirth of the Local Farm Movement
Yes! Magazine – When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the future of the Cannard Family Farm—whose organic vegetables supplied a single Berkeley restaurant—was looking stark. Ross
Fund Supports Family Farmers Falling Through the Cracks of COVID-19 Crisis
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) announced the first round emergency assistance grants to California farmers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic earlier today. Most of
As Food Supply Chain Breaks Down, Farm-To-Door CSAs Take Off
NPR – Images of some American farmers dumping milk, plowing under crops and tossing perishables amid sagging demand and falling prices during the deadly coronavirus pandemic has
Without Restaurants Sales, Local Farms Face Tough Decisions
KQED – The COVID-19 pandemic hit just as farms had to make decisions about how much to plant. Spring is the time of year farmers
USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal
23 Organizations Eliminating Food Waste During COVID-19
ECOWATCH – To eliminate the food surplus in California’s food system, CAFF works with farmers to redirect their food supply away from their usual commercial customers
Governor: Expansion of Farm to Family Program
Governor Newsom Announces Expansion of Farm to Family Program and New Initiatives to Combat Food Insecurity. The Governor unveiled $3.64 million in new funding to
Organic farmers fill national food system holes revealed by COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has shrunk the farm-to-table restaurant channel as waiting lists build for CSAs; meanwhile, farmers markets tiptoe into the season, forcing organic farmers
How Covid-19 Is Transforming Our Food System
KPFA – Within just a few short months, the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed just about every facet of our society. That includes our food system,
USDA Announces Coronavirus Food & Farm Assistance Program
(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new U.S. Department of Agriculture
Emergency fund to help Calif farmers
AG CLIPS – Effort to support farmers most impacted by COVID-19, economic turmoil. Given the pressing challenges facing California farmers as a result of Covid-19,
San Diego ag all the rage in coronavirus age
ESCONDIDO GRAPEVINE – During a webinar last week aimed at helping farmers find solutions to market instability created by the pandemic, Evan Wiig of the
Growing Pains
COMSTOCK — Local farmers work hard to respond and adapt to the coronavirus pandemic. As the coronavirus pandemic has upended the U.S. economy, farmers are
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
‘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
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