April Coronavirus Updates
April 28, 2020
California vegetable growers will plant reduced acreage in the next few months because of declines in foodservice demand relating to COVID-19. Read more.
April 24, 2020
President Trump signs new Coronavirus Stimulus package. Read more.
April 21, 2020
The Organic Produce Network announces cancellation of 2020 Organic Produce Summit. Read more.
April 20, 2020
USDA offers web seminar on the Buy Fresh program through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Read more.
April 16, 2020
USDA delays enforcement of out-of-origin laws at stores. Read more.
April 13, 2020
Hours of service waiver for truck drivers delivering fresh produce and other essential items has been extended through May 15th. Read more.
April 10, 2020
Fresh produce sales are still going strong throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. Read more.
April 7, 2020
Law makers and industry leaders present to USDA a Produce Market Stabilization Program. Read more.
April 6, 2020
The FDA continues import inspections remotely, prioritizing those that have been postponed because of COVID-19. Read more.
April 3, 2020
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the “Paycheck Protection Program” added to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Loan Program as part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. The intention of this program is to provide economic relief to small businesses that have been adversely impacted under the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Emergency Declaration by allowing businesses to keep employees and workers on their payroll. Read more.
April 2, 2020
The Mayor of Los Angeles has announced that residents should wear some sort of mask or cover-up over their face when out in public. Read more.
The FDA released a PSA to remind the public that there is no evidence of COVID-19 spreading through human or animal food or food packaging. Watch the PSA here.
April 1, 2020
The USDA extends expiring audit certifications by 60 days. Read more.
Resources
If you have a fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get medical attention right away.
Visit the CDC website for more information.
Articles and Additional Resources
Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Small Business Guide and Checklist
Main Street Lending Program Information
The Food Industry Association Blog: Re-Writing the Industry’s Crisis Response Playbook
Read about how the stimulus bill will help provide relief for the industry
Find out more information on the Coronavirus here
World Health Organization website
Five Steps to kicking out Coronavirus
PMA has created these badges for your employees and when transporting food/ag products
FAQs from the USDA regarding the PACA (Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act) Trust