Friend–

During these unprecedented times, we must ensure that our nation’s agriculture producers are supported to maintain the safety and security of the food chain. Our communities rely on local farmers and producers both for our regional economy and our regional food supply.

I want to provide you with Virginia-specific information from the VDACS on food security, protections for farms, agribusiness, and consumers. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has established this Coronavirus website to provide relevant and up-to-date guidance and resources related to agriculture and agribusiness concerns.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had compiled an extensive website for resources available to farmers and folks who are in need of food assistance. Click here for more information from the USDA.

Protecting Farms, Industry or Agribusiness Operations

All farmers and business owners can protect employees and customers by following local COVID-19 safety measures and current food safety standards. Expanding current safety practices can help slow the disease spread in the community and reduce working days lost due to illness. The following is a list of federal and state resources to help protect farms, industry and agribusiness operations:

• Local Opportunity for GAP Certified Produce Farmers (pdf)
• Guidance for Farmers’ Markets (pdf)
• Lineamientos para mercados de agricultores (pdf)
• Farmers' Markets FAQs (pdf) 
• Guidance for Pick-Your-Own Farms and Individual Farm Stands (pdf)
• Lineamientos para Granjas con Recolección Publica y Puestos Individuales de Granjas (pdf)
• Guidance for Livestock and Produce Auctions (pdf)
• Lineamientos para Subastas de Ganado y Otras Subastas Agrícolas (pdf)
• Information for Food Establishments Operating Under Executive Order 53 (pdf)
• Informacion para Establecimientos de Comida Operando bajo la Orden Ejecutiva 53 (pdf)
• Guidance for Food Establishments Regarding COVID-19 - VDH
• Information for Grocery and Similar Retail Food Stores Regarding COVID‐19 (pdf)
• Información para Supermercados y otras Tiendas de Alimentos Similares acerca de COVID-19 (pdf)
• Guidance for all Meat and Poultry Processing Workers and Employers
• U.S. Dept. of Labor – COVID-19 Worker and Employer Resources
• FAQs for Gardeners - (pdf) 
• COVID-19 Resources for Equestrians
• COVID-19 Temporary Registered Technician Training and Testing (pdf)

Last week, the House passed legislation that would allow agricultural enterprises as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)) with not more than 500 employees to receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and grants. Small farms affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses. Click here to submit a loan application through the SBA EIDL program.

USDA Resources

The USDA has established the following websites to address COVID-19 related questions and issues pertaining to agriculture and food:

Food Supply Chain
Any questions about the food supply chain (including farm, food, fertilizer, feed, food processing or logistics) should be directed to foodsupplychain@usda.gov. 

H2A and Emergency Visas
To access information and changes regarding decisions made by foreign consulates and embassies, growers, contractors and others visit farmers.gov/manage/h2a.

School nutrition during school closings
Waivers have been issued by the USDA to allow meal service during school closures. Nutrition assistance questions should be sent to feedingkids@usda.gov.

Consumer Information

When Governor Northam declared a state of emergency, price gouging laws went into effect pursuant to Virginia Code § 59.1-525.

• Attorney General of Virginia (Consumer Complaints Other Than Motor Fuels)
• VDACS Gasoline Price Gouging (Motor Fuels Price  Gouging Complaint Form)

Several Virginia distilleries are now producing hand sanitizer to help hospitals, doctors and nurses and any citizen who needs it to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Please note that some distilleries are only producing sanitizer for hospitals and first responders at this time. Click here for the full list.

Food Access
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and VDACS are working together to continue the availability of meals to children through the National School Lunch Program waivers for Summer Food Service Program or Seamless Summer Option. For a list of approved sites, please call 2-1-1 or go to VDOE's COVID-19 page.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks is working through seven regional food banks across the state to provide food to those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

 How is VDACS instructing employees to work during COVID-19? What is the best way to reach them?
VDACS continues to provide essential services during this emergency. Staff are responding to request for service using normal communication methods, so please continue to contact these services in the manner in which you contacted them prior to COVID-19.

VDACS, along with most other state agencies, continues to arrange for as many employees as possible to work from home or telework. This may result in temporary changes in the way VDACS staff communicate and interact with clients and stakeholders. In some cases, it may require rescheduling of inspections, training opportunities or other services.  

VDACS’ employees are adhering to the best practices that apply to everyone - frequent hand washing; watching for symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath; staying home if sick; and limiting social contact

In addition, VDACS has been coordinating response efforts within the Virginia Emergency Operations Center as the situation around novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Virginia continues to develop. 

Given the Governor’s direction, can open-air farmers markets be held? 
Per Governor Northam’s Executive Order Fifty-three, Virginians are strongly urged to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people. The executive order further states that all dining and congregation areas in the following establishments must close to the public beginning at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

These establishments may continue to offer delivery and/or takeout services. Establishments include restaurants, dining establishments food courts, farmers' markets, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries and tasting rooms.

Guidance for Farmers' Markets (pdf)
Farmers' Markets FAQs (pdf) 

Is there guidance for distilleries that want to produce hand sanitizer/antiseptic? 
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) have provided guidance on the production of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to help boost supply and protect public health. Click here for more information from the FDA. Click here for more information from the TTB.

Can I still apply for agriculture best management cost share for conservation practices on my farm?
Each soil and water conservation district determines whether their offices are open to the public. Please call your local soil and water conservation district and inquire how they are handling sign-ups. Click hereto find which soil and water conservation district works with farmers in your county or city. 

Are the VDACS Regional Animal Health Laboratories open to help farmers and veterinarians with diagnostic testing?
VDACS is working toward maintaining continuity of service to the fullest extent possible given the current public health concerns and logistical challenges. As operations are changing frequently in response to COVID-19, please call the VDACS Regional Animal Health Laboratory in your area to ensure hours of operation. 

Are there any changes to schedules for livestock markets? Are VDACS graders still supporting these sales?
VDACS is not aware of any markets that have closed at this time. VDACS Livestock Services is continuing to support livestock auction sales. Before attending a livestock auction, you should call ahead to verify the schedule.

For more information from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, click here, and for more information from the United States Department of Agriculture, click here. 

If you need assistance with any processes listed above or anything related to federal, state, or local programs, please click here to contact my office directly, or click here to access my comprehensive Coronavirus website.

Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors as information is key during these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Rob