Resources for Food and Agriculture Industries During COVID-19

FOOD SAFETY

Consumer information
FDA, CDC and USDA have all stated that at this time, there are no reports that suggest COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging. CDC reports that, in general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.

It is always important to follow good hygiene practices (like washing hands, tools and surfaces frequently) when handling or preparing foods.

Industry information
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been updating and expanding their list of approved COVID-19 disinfectants.

USDA ensures food safety during COVID-19 outbreak (and pertinent contact info for each of their continuing services can be found in this USDA COVID-19 FAQ).

• Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) will continue inspections
• APHIS and AMS will continue to provide critical inspections and grading services
• AMS will continue to report commodity prices through its market news service

FDA offers assurance about food safety and supply for people and animals during COVID-10  

NDA FSMA Produce safety resources

Food handling guidelines from Nevada DPBH

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT

Labor

Nevada Department of Business and Industry factsheet about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - an SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 pandemic

 Interim guidance from the CDC and U.S. Department of Labor for agriculture workers and employers

USDA labor information
Department of Labor COVID-19 page

H2-A Visa program applications and extensions for labor information

AgCareers.com is offering free temporary and seasonal job postings during the pandemic.
NV Health Response page has resources for both businesses and workforce (new resources are added every day), including:

• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19
• Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) Unemployment Insurance Information for employers and claimants regarding COVID-19
• Nevada gets statewide approval for SBA disaster loans

Agribusinesses

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

BLM Nevada offices still open for business via phone or email, and the Department of Interior does not anticipate any permittee approval delays.

CDC's Agriculture Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan

USDA COVID-19 Resources:

• Farmers.gov
• Rural Development
• Farm Service Agency (FSA) Nevada office
• The Market Facilitation Program provides direct payments to producers of commodities. As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relieve, and Economic Security Act, this program received $9.5 billion to assist producers. Keep checking this link for the launch of COVID-19 sign-up.
• The Commodity Credit Corporation also received a $14 million infusion.
• Ariculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs (deadline June 30 for 2020 enrollment)

Small Business
Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) COVID-19 Disaster Response Business Resources
Small Business Administration (SBA):

• COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
• SBA Nevada District Office
• Overview of the SBA Disaster Relief Programs Presentation from Nevada Business Advisors
• Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance hosted a webinar for what businesses need to know about the SBA Disaster Assistance
• The Department of Treasury and SBA released an interim final rule for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Agribusinesses are eligible for the PPP and should apply immediately. PPP guidance for self-employed as of 4/14/20.

The USDA compiled a list of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

TRADE

NDA is still providing export inspection services as needed (Please contact Nick Bieser in southern Nevada at nbieser@agri.nv.gov and Sheryl Hunnewell in northern Nevada at shunnewell@agri.nv.gov to schedule an appointment.

Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) office is closed through April 6, but contact information is provided here for questions regarding events or the FundMatch program.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Social distancing guidelines should be strictly adhered to on farms, even in outdoor spaces:

• NV Health Response
• CDC guidelines for schools, workplaces and community locations
• FDA FAQ addresses social distancing in food production/processing facilities
• FDA Q&A and video about COVID-19 and pets