Guide COVID-19 Resources for Agriculture

In response to the spread of COVID-19 and the measures being taken to address it, MDAR has compiled a list of resources to keep our agricultural community informed and aware of relevant policies and best practices. Following the guidelines of health and government officials in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, MDAR is temporarily limiting face-to-face meetings, visits to farms, educational events, etc. We will work with farmers and our agricultural stakeholders via phone, email, and webinar to ensure that work continues to move forward.

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Addressing COVID-19 Impacts, Bulletins and Guidance

Guidance of the Commissioner of Public Health Regarding Operations of Nurseries, Greenhouses, Garden Centers, and Agricultural Supply Stores Under the Essential Services Orders

Agriculture Day 2020 Letter from Commissioner Lebeaux - 3/25/20

Travel Template for MA Ag Employers - 4/1/20

COVID-19 Essential Services - Emergency Order - 3/23/20 - Food & Agriculture “Essential” - Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public as of Tuesday, March 24th at noon until Tuesday, April 7th at noon. *Governor Baker's order has been extended until May 4th.

*Updated list of Essential Services - As of March 31st.

COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs

MDAR Bulletins

Honey BeeColony Health Inspections - 4/8/20
Pesticide Exams Bulletin - 3/25/20
Guidance for Livestock Auction Markets - 3/26/20
Guidance for Farmers Markets, Farm Stands and CSAs- 3/26/20
Guidance for Owners of Domestic Animals (pets and livestock)- 3/26/20
Pesticide License Recertification Processes and Related Impacts from COVID-19- 3/24/20
Guidance for Horseback Riding Schools and Stables / Boarding Stables- 3/26/20
To Massachusetts Animal Control Officers (ACOs) and Animal Inspectors- 3/19/20
Guidance To Massachusetts Fruit and Vegetable Growers- 3/17/20
Bulletin from the Commissioner - 3/13/20

UMass Extension Message to Ag and Landscape Stakeholders

Food Safety

Recommendations and links specific to best practices for food safety.

Food Inspections and Staff Best Practices for the Agricultural Sector- 3/26/20
Fruit and Vegetable Memo - 3/17/20
Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease (FDA)
Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University
Novel Coronavirus Prevention & Control for Farms (Cornell)

Farmers' Markets

The following organizations have information relating to farmers' market operations during the COVID-19 outbreak:

Guidance for Farmers Markets, Farm Stands and CSAs- 3/26/20

Animal Health

Guidance for Owners of Domestic Animals (pets and livestock)- 3/26/20
Guidance for Horseback Riding Schools and Stables / Boarding Stables- 3/26/20
Guidance for Livestock Auction Markets- 3/26/20
Telemedicine COVID19 State of Emergency - 3/25/20
Practice Guidance - 3/25/20
Interim recommendations for intake of companion animals from households where humans with COVID-19 are present
Considerations for animal owners in relation to COVID-19
Considerations for food animal veterinarians during the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Your Dairy (Cornell)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
National Milk Producers Federation
To Massachusetts Animal Control Officers (ACOs) and Animal Inspectors 3/19/20

Farm Labor

US Dept of Labor:

Financial Resources and Funding Opportunities

Last night(4/3), the Department of Treasury (Treasury) and Small Business Administration (SBA) released an interim final rule on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Agricultural producers are eligible to participate in the program and should reach out to their bankers and/or agricultural lenders to apply immediately. While SBA still needs to confirm some administrative details, loans will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and producers can get started on the application now: