COVID-19 Resources for Direct Marketing Farmers
This webpage provides a listing of resources for direct marketing farmers and value-added agriculture entrepreneurs that may be helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources have been gathered from many sources, including other universities and Extension programs, government agencies, and industry organizations. The list will continue to be updated as additional resources are created or discovered.
Wallace Center COVID-19 Resource Compilation
Community Gardens
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people may want to know if it is safe to visit or operate a community garden. Check out these resources for best practices and answers to frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 and Community Gardens
Cultivating SuccessTM Best Practices for Community Gardens During COVID-19 webinar (04/06/2020)
North Carolina State Extension COVID-19 for Community Gardens website
Purdue University Extension Gardening: A Guide for Community Gardens During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Community Supported Agriculture
These resources provide the steps Community Supported Agriculture operators should take to ensure the health of their staff, the public, and themselves amid COVID-19.
How to Run a CSA Pick-Up Site during COVID-19
University of New Hampshire Guide for CSA Farmers amid COVID 19
Farms and Small Businesses
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers and ranchers may be thinking about marketing channel options. This section includes a list of relevant information and resources to support farmers as we work together to adapt operations and business models.
Cultivating SuccessTM Program and University of Idaho Extension COVID-19 Resources
Cultivating SuccessTM Sustainable Small Farms Education: Small Farm & Ranch Webinar Series
Oregon State University Small Farms, Local Food, and COVID-19: What Do You Need to Know?
Washington State University Farmer Resources for Response to COVID-19 Disruptions
Colorado State University: Mitigating Immediate Harmful Impacts of COVID-19 on Colorado Farms and Ranches Selling through Local and Regional Food Markets
University of Connecticut COVID-19 Resources for Farmers
Cornell Cooperative Extension Food, Farming & COVID-19 Resources
Michigan State University Extension Agrifood Safety
Jayson Lusk Blog on food demand and pricing trends
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Blog post on COVID-19’s Economic Impact on Local Food Markets
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Mitigating Immediate Harmful Impacts of COVID-19 on Farms and Ranches Selling through Local and Regional Food Markets
North Carolina State University COVID Farming Resources
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association COVID-19 Resources
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture COVID-19 Resources
Farm Labor
Find news and resources for employers of the H2-A Visa Program and recommendations for how to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for your employees.
CDC published COVID-19 guidance for agricultural workers and employers (Updated June 2, 2020)
Farmers Markets
Farmers market operators and vendors are wondering how best to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. This section provides guidance and considerations on operating farmers markets.
“YELLOW Phase” UDAF’s COVID-19 Food Establishment Permit Guidelines for Farmers Markets. Click here for updated guidelines.
“ORANGE Phase” UDAF’s COVID-19 Food Establishment Permit Guidelines for Farmers Markets. Click here for updated guidelines.
Questions and Answers from Utah Department of Agriculture and Food on the COVID-19 Food Establishment Permit Guidelines
New Regulations for Utah Farmers Markets and What They Mean to Market Operators and Direct Marketing Farmers - Utah Department of Agriculture and USU Extension Recorded Webinar for Utah Farmers Market Network
Continue Driving Sales During COVID-19: Is a Drive-thru Market Right for You? Webinar Recording (Added 03/30/2020)
Farmers Market Coalition Resource Listing for Farmers Markets
Handwashing Station for Minnesota Farmers Markets
Maryland Department of Agriculture Information for Maryland Farmers Markets
Michigan Farmers Market Association COVID-19 Resources
North Carolina State University COVID-19 FAQ for Farmers Markets
Ohio Farmers Market Network COVID-19 Operational Response for Farmers Markets
Purdue University: A Guide for Farmers Markets to Navigate the COVID-19 Outbreak
Tennessee Association of Farmers Markets Resource List
West Virginia Farmers Market Association Crisis Management and Best Practices for COVID-19
Farm Stands
This document provides guidance and considerations for how best to operate farm stands during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Assistance Programs for Small Businesses
This section identifies funding opportunities and other federal resources that can help support farmers and rural communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund Grant
CARES Act Assistance for Small Businesses: Paycheck Protection Program Information from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Added 04/03/2020)
The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act (Added 04/02/2020)
UT Extension's Paycheck Protection Program Fact Sheet (Added 04/02/2020 and Updated 04/03/2020)
Farmers' Use of the Paycheck Protection Program Depends on “Small Business” Definition (Added 04/02/2020)
UT Extension's Fact Sheet of Title II of the CARES Act: Assistance for American Workers, Families and Businesses (Added 04/02/2020)
Are There Financial Programs to Help Farmers During the COVID-19 Pandemic? (Added April 1, 2020)
Financial Assistance Programs for Farmers (Added April 1, 2020)
Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide and Checklist (Added March 31, 2020)
Coronavirus-related Paid Leave and Tax Credits for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses (Added 03/30/2020)
Small Business Administration COVID-19 Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources (Added 03/30/2020)
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loan Program
Food Safety for Consumers and the Food Industry
Both large and small fresh produce growers have questions about how COVID-19 will affect how they do business in the near term. The following resources provide information on food safety practices.
Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety
University of California Davis COVID-19 Food Safety Resources
Colorado State University Produce Safety
Colorado State University Food Systems COVID-19 Food Supply Research and Resources
Michigan State University COVID-19 and Food Safety
Purdue University Extension: A Consumer Guide to Buying from Local Farmers During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Gleaning
With food waste rising in the wake of COVID-19, gleaning creates a new market for local producers. These resources provide guidelines and information on how to donate food to a local nonprofit organization in need.
Washington State University Kitsap Extension Office: Gleaning Procedures During a Pandemic
Food Recovery Network – Donate Surplus Food During COVID-19 National Emergency
Marketing during COVID-19
These resources provide options to direct marketing farmers who are adapting their business models due to COVID-19.
Ensure that Your Customer Relationships Outlast Coronavirus
Harvard Business Review coronavirus articles
Iowa State University Online Sales Platforms an Option for Direct-market
Farmers During COVID-19 (and beyond)
Penn State Extension COVID-19 Marketing and Sales
Purdue Women in Agriculture Team: Online Marketing Strategies with Low Budgets Webinar Series
Marketing Podcasts for Produce Growers: Latest podcasts have focused on dealing with COVID-19.
U-Pick Farms
This document provides guidance and considerations for how best to operate u-pick farms during the COVID-19 pandemic.