CDFA - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Food and Agriculture

Resources for Food and Agriculture

Latest Updates Federal and State Financial Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers Guidance for Food and Agriculture Food Safety Worker Safety Resources for Food and Agriculture Businesses and Workers Farm to Family and Food Bank Donations CDFA Program Updates

Latest Updates

Housing for the Harvest is a program that offers temporary hotel housing to agricultural workers who need to isolate due to the COVID-19. It will help positive or exposed workers protect their loved ones and coworkers by giving them a safe space to self-isolate
On July 27, Governor Newsom announced funding and hands-on technical assistance is being deployed to eight Central Valley counties for testing, contract tracing, isolation and quarantine efforts in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Central Valley. The assistance includes studying agricultural workplaces where individuals may be exposed to COVID-19.
On July 24, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released a COVID-19 Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening that provides guidance for employers to plan and prepare for reopening their businesses and to support a safe, clean environment for workers and customers.
On July 23, CDPH released Updated COVID-19 Testing Guidance that establishes agricultural workers in the third tier of testing priority.
On July 13, a Statewide Public Health Officer Order was released on modifying the process of reopening due to a significant increase in the spread of COVID-19.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces that additional commodities are eligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program beginning July 13.
CDFA’s COVID-19 Awareness for Agriculture (Spanish) flyer offers straightforward advice of how to prevent, educate and respond to COVID-19.
CDFA offers TIPS: Educating Farmworkers on COVID-19 (Spanish), featuring advice on what steps have worked best in the field for farmworker education.

Federal and State Financial Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

Federal Assistance

The USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is providing up to $16 billion in direct payments to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The USDA Farm Service Agency is taking CFAP applications through August 28, on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible commodities include certain specialty crops, non-specialty crops, wool, dairy and livestock. Additional commodities are eligible beginning July 13. Non-eligible commodities include those that did not suffer a 5 percent or greater price decline from mid-January 2020 to mid-April 2020. A CFAP Payment Calculator Video offers guidance on one of several resources available on the CFAP website.
USDA Provides $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers.
Visit the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) website for California offices that can help with USDA assistance.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance includes Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance, now open to offering agricultural businesses low-interest, long-term loans, also available in Spanish.

California Assistance

California Employment Development Department (EDD) Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) resource page includes Employer Resources and information about a new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help unemployed Californians who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history and more.
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) offers financial and technical assistance for small business, labor and workforce support for business and employees, information about business tax extensions and more.
California State Treasurer offers small businesses contact information for federal, state and local program resources and tax relief.
California Infrastructure Economic Development Bank (IBank) offers a Small Business Disaster Relief Load Guarantee Program and other resources.

Guidance for Food and Agriculture

Critical Infrastructure

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 19, 2020, Executive Order N-33-20 for residents to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic exempts Food and Agriculture workers, as they are members of the federal essential critical infrastructure workforce.
The California State Public Health Officer designated a list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.

Updated Industry Guidance for Reopening with Modifications

On May 7, following up on the state’s announcement that it will begin modifying the stay-at-home order on Friday, May 8, Governor Gavin Newsom updated industry guidance – including for retail, manufacturing and logistics – to begin reopening with modifications that reduce risk and establish a safer environment for workers and customers. On July 13, a Statewide Public Health Officer Order was released on modifying the process of reopening due to a significant increase in the spread of COVID-19. Among the guidance released are the following for food and agriculture:

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening provides guidance for employers to plan and prepare for reopening their businesses and to support a safe, clean environment for workers and customers.
State guidance for the agriculture and livestock industry provides guidelines to create a safer environment for workers. Review the guidance, prepare a plan and post the checklist for the agriculture and livestock industry in your workplace to show customers and employees that you’ve reduced the risk and are open for business.
State guidance for facilities that process or pack meat, dairy, or produce provides guidelines to create a safer environment for workers. Review the guidance, prepare a plan, and post the checklist for facilities that process or pack meat, dairy or produce in your workplace to show customers and employees that you’ve reduced the risk and are open for business.
State guidance for retail that includes grocery stores provides guidelines to support a safe, clean environment for workers. Review the guidance, prepare a plan and post the checklist for retail employers in your workplace to show customers and employees that you’ve reduced the risk and are open for business

Guidance for Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities

U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) interim Guidance for Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), also available in Spanish.
CDFA Guidance for Livestock and Poultry Slaughter Establishments Regulated by CDFA, also available in Spanish.
CDFA Guidance for Small Retail Processors Regulated by CDFA, also available in Spanish.

Guidance for Farmed Mink and Other Mustelids

USDA, CDC, and state animal and public health partners Interim SARS-CoV-2 Guidance and Recommendations for Farmed Mink and Other Mustelids.

Guidance for Equestrian Facilities and Events

Guidance for Nurseries

CDFA Guidance and Best Practices for Nurseries During COVID-19 Pandemic, also available in Spanish.

Food Safety

Consumer Information

Federal and state officials have stated that there are no reports at this time of human illness that suggests COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website goes into greater detail about food safety.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, without evidence of it being spread by food or food packaging.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) website also states there are no reports of COVID-19 being transmitted by food or food packaging, while stressing the importance of following good hygiene practices.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) relays food safety information in a COVID-19 and the Food Supply Chain document and offers COVID-19 Updates.

Inspections for Food Safety

Food safety is a critical function and all state food inspection programs will continue, including inspections for leafy greens, milk, eggs, and other commodities. Inspectors will provide a five-day notification to ease the burden for processors and allow time for inspectors and staff to take precautions for social distancing. The Produce Safety Program (PSP) operates under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and will follow guidelines as set forth by FDA.
Food inspectors are following CDC guidelines, including not traveling or working when feeling ill, washing hands regularly, maintaining person cleanliness, maintaining social distancing, not shaking hands and not touching their own faces. Inspection staff follow best food safety practices and any specific industry protocols when performing on-site inspections, which may range from using a hairnet to wearing gloves, booties or other protective gear, depending upon the environment. Inspectors are following all industry standards recommended by firms, including washing and sanitizing all field gear between farm visits, or wearing any protective gear a firm requires.

Worker Safety

Housing for the Harvest

Housing for the Harvest is a program that offers temporary hotel housing to agricultural workers who need to isolate due to the COVID-19. It helps positive or exposed workers protect their loved ones and coworkers by giving them a safe space to self-isolate

Worker Safety Resources

CDFA’s COVID-19 Awareness for Agriculture (Spanish) flyer offers straightforward advice of how to prevent, educate and respond to COVID-19.
CDFA offers TIPS: Educating Farmworkers on COVID-19 (Spanish), featuring advice on what steps have worked best in the field for farmworker education.
CalOSHA offers COVID-19 Infection Prevention for Agricultural Employers and Employees (Spanish) (Chinese) (Vietnamese), as well as a COVID-19 Daily Checklist for Agricultural Employers (Spanish) and a COVID-19 General Checklist for Agricultural Employers (Spanish).
CalOSHA also offers a video, COVID-19 Infection Prevention Guidance for Agricultural Workers, also available in Spanish and Mixteco.
The UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS) offers articles with relevant links and resources on screening workers, what to do if a worker is sick, disinfection and PPE and respirators. The WCAHS COVID-19 Resources for Agriculture website offers an agricultural employer checklist, tailgate training guide and more.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Labor Guidance for Agriculture Workers and Employers includes an Agricultural Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan.
The CDC also offers guidance on the appropriate use of testing for SARS-CoV-2 and a Testing Strategy for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in High-Density Critical Infrastructure Workplaces after a COVID-19 Case Is Identified, illustrated by a testing strategy flow diagram.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) What to Do if You Have COVID-19 Confirmed Positive or Exposed Workers in Your Food Production, Storage or Distribution Operations Regulated by FDA.
California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance for employers experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 in their workplace and a listing of statewide local health services/offices, for the situations where the FDA recommends contacting your local health department.
On July 27, Governor Newsom announced funding and hands-on technical assistance is being deployed to eight Central Valley counties for testing, contract tracing, isolation and quarantine efforts in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Central Valley. The assistance includes studying agricultural workplaces where individuals may be exposed to COVID-19.

Worker Safety Resources for Regions or Associations

Western Growers COVID-19 Resources Page, including What to Do if an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19.
California Strawberry Commission Coronavirus News & Resources, also available in Spanish.
National Milk Producers Federation Dairy Farm Handbook Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention and Management, also available in Spanish.
Food Industry Association Coronavirus Resources, including COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection for Human-Touch Surfaces, which is applicable to all segments of the retail food industry.
California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Resources Regarding Coronavirus and COVID-19.
Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner COVID-19 Resources, Information and Updates.

COVID-19 Testing

Several websites are available to help people in urban and rural areas understand who should get tested, find local health departments, find a testing site, find drive-through testing or make an appointment to get tested.
On July 23, CDPH released Updated COVID-19 Testing Guidance that establishes agricultural workers in the third tier of testing priority.

Access to PPE and Sanitation Supplies

Safely Making California provides lists of companies providing personal protective equipment (PPE) by product and county.
FDA Use of Respirators, Facemasks and Cloth Face Coverings in the Food and Agriculture Sector During Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic.
CDC Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE and Equipment, intended for healthcare professionals but applicable to others.
California Department of Pesticide Regulation N95 Alternatives for Pesticide Handling (Spanish) and safety tips about Gloves for Handling Pesticides (Spanish).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19.
Please contact your county Office of Emergency Services (OES) branch to coordinate the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related items, including sanitation and janitorial supplies for your food production or processing business.
If there is an acute shortage and you are unable to obtain PPE and related items through your county OES branch, please contact CDFA and provide specific information on what items are running low, how much you have left, and what the impact will be to the food supply chain.

Resources for Food and Agriculture Businesses and Workers

Employment

Workers who have lost jobs during the pandemic can be matched with employment opportunities in the critical Food and Agriculture sector on www.OnwardCA.org.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Executive Order N-51-20 gives two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave to certain food sector workers if they are subject to a quarantine or isolation order or medical directive.
The California Department of Industrial Relations maintains an FAQ page regarding sick leave for people possibly affected by COVID-19.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Executive Order N-50-20 offers new initiatives to support California workers impacted by COVID-19, including financial support to undocumented immigrants. A Governor’s Office announcement about it is available in English and Spanish.
The State of California offers a Guide for Immigrant Californians, also available in Spanish.
USDA information and updates regarding H-2A visas for employees.

Starting Direct Delivery

Visit the CDFA Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) webpage or Farmer Resource Portal for information about registering to deliver produce directly to customers, or to view a list of producers registered as CSA Producers.

Transportation

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) News Release page offers information about the extension of expiring commercial driver licenses and transactions now permitted via the California DMV Virtual Office.
The DMV issued an extension through September 30, 2020, to continue allowing commercial drivers to deliver essential products and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic without worrying about an expiring license or medical certificate.
The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) is offering special permits authorizing overweight trucks to deliver emergency COVID-19 supplies.

Childcare

California Department of Education (CDE) Guidance Regarding Emergency Childcare Services for Essential Workforce and At-Risk Populations.
MyChildCare.ca.gov is offering a search tool to help essential workers find licensed childcare providers available during the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network also offers a statewide consumer education hotline at 1-800-KIDS-793 or a search tool on its website for childcare referrals.

Farm to Family and Food Bank Donations

USDA Approves $1.2 billion in Contracts for Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
Governor Newsom Announces Expansion of Farm to Family Program and New Initiatives to Combat Food Insecurity.
The California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) Farm to Family Program works with farmers, ranchers, packers and shippers to get California farm products from field to 40+ food banks throughout the state. A presentation CAFB offered during a recent CDFA webinar offers further details, as does a CAFB Food Donation Tax Benefit Overview.
The California Emergency Foodlink accepts large food donations to deliver to food banks across California.
The California Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Harvest for All Program offers various contacts.
Hidden Harvest is a produce recovery program in Coachella Valley.

CDFA Program Updates

Public Meetings: CDFA is working diligently to plan and implement measures for our employees while continuing to provide essential resources to the food and agriculture industries. Due to COVID-19, physically attending board and program meetings will be delayed or otherwise affected until further notice (Order No. 3, pp. 2-4, of Executive Order N-29-20). CDFA staff will be available to call into board meetings and will be staying in constant communication with the industry. If you have a question about a specific public meeting, or are interested in requesting reasonable accommodation, please contact the relevant CDFA program.

Plant Pest and Animal Disease Detection and Response Activities

This work is critical to the long-term continuity of the food supply. The cascading effect of not doing monitoring for and responding to pest/disease outbreaks would have severe repercussions for the supply chain. CDFA plans to continue all our pest exclusion, detection, rapid response, management, and diagnostic functions with appropriate social distancing and/or alternative measures such as personal protective equipment. We also plan to continue in our role of providing support to County Agricultural Commissioners’ offices involved in these essential functions.

Animal Health and Food Safety Services

Resources for California Youth Agriculture Leaders, Members & Families During COVID-19 Pandemic.
The CDPH Veterinary Public Health Section features information about COVID-19 and pets, SARS-CoV-2 (causative agent for human CoVID-19) Testing in Animals, guidance and recommendations about COVID-19 for veterinary practices and information on Coronaviruses and Animals.

Animal Feed

The CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program (CFRP) has shifted field activities to focus on end-product testing, when possible, in an effort to adhere to social distancing and minimize additional stress on firms. We will continue to respond to all animal health-related consumer complaints in order to meet those directives. This plan is in place through mid-April and will continue to evolve as information is received. Please do not hesitate to contact the field staff member in your area with any questions or concerns. We want to ensure that our feed and livestock industries are maintained in California. Additionally, please reach out to the field staff member in your area if you are anticipating a feed ingredient deficit so that the program can alert the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) resources of the issue.
Animal feed is considered critical infrastructure and companies will be able to continue to ship feed throughout the state, even in restricted areas. Ensuring no disruptions in the feed and livestock supply chain is a top priority for CDFA. Please notify CFRP immediately should you have any issues with the movement of feed products.
CDFA inspection staff will follow all biosecurity procedures, including wearing masks, gloves and booties upon entering any feed manufacturing facility.

Grant Program Activities

CDFA recognizes that due to COVID-19, grant requirements such as outreach events, field days, etc. will be delayed or otherwise affected. CDFA will work with grantees to the extent possible to adjust the Scope of Work and timelines. For example, some of our grant programs, such as our dairy digester grants, are allowing flexibility to satisfy community engagement/outreach obligations by hosting online events instead of physical events. Please reach out directly to your grant contact for more specific information.
For the following grant programs, please email grants@cdfa.ca.gov or call (916) 657-3231
- California Agriculture License Plate Grant Program
- California State Trade Expansion Program
- Spay and Neuter Grant Programs
- Pet Lover's License Plate Grant Program
- Animal Homeless Cruelty Fund
- Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
- Specialty Crop Multi-State Program
For the following Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) grant programs, please email cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov or call (916) 654-0433
- Dairy Digester Research and Development Program
- Healthy Soils Program
- State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program
- Alternative Manure Management Program
- Technical Assistance grants
For the Healthy Stores Refrigeration Grant Programs, please email cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov.

Licensing and Permit Activities

CDFA recognizes that due to COVID-19, licensing and permits may not occur in a timely manner. Certain licenses and permits may be prioritized based on criticality to the food supply. As the prioritization and delays may vary, please reach out directly to program staff for more information on the impact to each particular program. Their contact information can be found on their respective web pages.

Fairs and Expositions

Due to COVID-19, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends against any gatherings. As such, many fairgrounds have canceled events. Please contact your local fairgrounds for an update on the status of your local event and the CDPH website for the most updated gathering guidance.
As California fairgrounds continue to support and serve their local communities and provide essential resources during emergencies, F&E staff is ready and available to assist. F&E staff will be available to call into board meetings and will be staying in constant communication with the fair industry. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or emergencies. Our main line number is (916) 999-3000. Visit the CDFA Fairs and Expositions COVID-19 Alert: Updates web page for more information.

CDFA Office of Farm to Fork

The Farm to School program partnered with the California Department of Education to offer Navigating a Changing Food Supply Chain During COVID-19 School Closures to help school districts, day care homes, child care homes, at-risk afterschool care centers and day care homes.
For questions regarding the California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F), please email cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov.

Information and resources for this COVID-19 emergency response are growing and evolving rapidly. We will continue to update this site as the situation progresses. Please address any questions to CDFA at OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)