Growing Food is Not Cancelled
A local food systems approach to Covid 19
Get Growing!
During this pandemic we wish you health, sanity, and plenty of access to local food. Whether you grow yourself or buy from farmers, here are some resources to support. This page was last updated on Wednesday, May 13th, 2020.
For Farmers
Advocacy & Legislation
CFSA’s COVID-19 Farmers Market Advocacy Toolkit
Civil Eaats: The Fight to Keep Farmer’s Markets Open During Coronavirus
Disruption of agriculture labor needs addressed by agencies
Farmers are destroying mountains of food. Here’s what to do about it
HEAL’s Response to Congress’ COVID-19 Aid Package
National Young Farmers Coalition COVID-19 Response & Updates
Support These 35+ Organizations Helping Restaurants, Workers, and Farmers Survive COVID-19
Examples of Legislation to Define Farm / Workers Rights During COVID-19:
Legalities/Health of Farm Workers
Farmers’ Legal Memo on Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave
Farmers’ Quick Guide to COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave
What To Do If a Farm Worker Tests Postive for COVID-19: Dr. Mark Hoffman at NCSU put together in one spot a large number of links and connecting paragraphs regarding what to do if a farm worker tests positive for COVID-19. The article appears in this month’s Strawberry Association May Newsletter.
Documents to print for essential travel:
MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
A number of counties and municipalities either have issued or are intending to issue a “shelter in place” order. Below is a link to a form issued by Commissioner Troxler stating that Agriculture operations, farming and support businesses are considered essential and the farm/businesses’ employees are authorized to work.
Notice of Essential Food & Agriculture Employee Form (NC)
Please fill in the blanks, and place on your vehicle’s dashboard or tape to your tractor window.
Articles & Written Resources
Cornell University: Building Farm Resilience in this Crisis
Food Systems Leadership Network COVID-19 Response Group: This listserv, unique among the many opportunities we as food systems leaders have to connect and share information and resources, is focused specifically on identifying, amplifying, and replicating the solutions, innovations, and collaborations that are emerging in communities across the US in response to and in the wake of COVID-19. We hope it will be a dynamic venue for exploring and acting on our best ideas for driving resilience and equity in our communities, and be a platform for organizing around needed resources, policy shifts, collaborations, or other actions.
NC Extension’s COVID-19 Resource Portal
Audio Education
Skillshare & Networks
BIPOC Farmers COVID-19 Skillshare Series (with Soul Fire Farm)
Food Systems Leadership Network COVID-19 Response Group: This listserv, unique among the many opportunities we as food systems leaders have to connect and share information and resources, is focused specifically on identifying, amplifying, and replicating the solutions, innovations, and collaborations that are emerging in communities across the US in response to and in the wake of COVID-19. We hope it will be a dynamic venue for exploring and acting on our best ideas for driving resilience and equity in our communities, and be a platform for organizing around needed resources, policy shifts, collaborations, or other actions.
Past Webinar Recordings
BIG PICTURE
Diddy’s “Black America & Coronavirus” Town Hall With Angela Rye, Killer Mike, Yara Shahidi And More
COVID-19: The State & Future of Pandemics — Singularity University
Food Industry Responses to COVID-19 — James Beard Foundation
Food Systems Friday Webinar Series — Prescott College:
- EPISODE 1: What Does Homegrown Food Security Look Like?
Strengthening Our Food System Together in a Time of Crisis: This farminar will center women’s and gender-oppressed voices and welcomes all sectors of the food system.
U.S. Foodsystems and COVID-19 — New School
Access Password: G2*?64$2
What Ag Producers Need to Know About COVID-19 — Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety & Health Center
EN ESPAÑOL
Navegando Las Opciones de Ayuda Empresarial con el LDC, recorded Apr 17. View video and slides.
FOOD SAFETY
Chesapeake Harvest: Food Safety in the time of Covid 19: recording and the powerpoint slides for future reference.
Food Safety in Time of Covid 19 from Chesapeake Harvest: Webinar recording and the powerpoint slides for future reference.
NC Extension: Always Be Cleaning & Santizing, & Understanding Disinfection Webinar
FUNDING & BUSINESS
An Employer’s Guide to Emergency Leave & Unemployment, recorded Apr 2. View video and slides. — Lowcountry Local First
Crafting Crisis-Proof Business Contracts, recorded Apr 21. View video (coming soon) and slides. — Lowcountry Local First
Demystifying the CARES Act: What’s in it for local businesses?, recorded Apr 6. View video and slides. — Lowcountry Local First
Farms & The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — Farm Commons
Helping Food & Farm Businesses Navigate the CARES Act (Wallace Center). Recording here, notes here.
Mountain BizWorks: Navigating Covid 19 resources for small businesses
Navigating Business Relief Options with the SBA, recorded Mar 24. View video and slides. Lowcountry Local First
Part II, Navigating Business Relief Options with SBA, recorded Apr 8. View video and slides. — Lowcountry Local First
Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Farmers/Ranchers Affected by COVID-19 (audio only) & Full Recording on Facebook — Farm Commons
MARKETING
Crisis Communications, recorded Mar 20. View video and slides.
It’s On My Mind: Marketing & Management Tasks During Coronavirus & Social Distancing, recorded Mar 25. View video. View slides.
How to Launch a Digital Marketing Campaign in 3 Easy Steps, recorded Mar 31. View video and slides.
Online Sales Platforms for Farmers — Oregon Tilth (register to view recording)
Ramp Up Your Online Sales Webinar & Discussion — Penn State Extension
Update from CDC on Direct to Consumer Food Delivery
ADDITIONAL TRAINING WEBINARS
ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Program Technical Resources
Farm/Food Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic — New Entry Coalition (no recording available due to technology fail)
Upcoming Webinars
COVID-19 and Small and Mid-Sized Meat Processors: Exploring the Challenges, Solutions, and a Path Forward
REGISTER HERE
While COVID-19 has disrupted and exposed the vulnerability of large industrial meat processors, it has also highlighted new and longstanding challenges faced by small and mid-sized processors. Within this context, solutions are emerging that address the challenges in the short term and offer a path forward towards lasting change. Join Jessica Roosa from This Old Farm, Rebecca Thistlethwaite from Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network, and Kelly Nuckolls from National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition for a conversation to explore the impact that COVID-19 is having on small and medium sized meat processors, how they’re adapting to these challenges, and the changes underway to alleviate pressure and long term to ensure lasting change.
This call will be hosted by the Wallace Center on Wednesday, May 13 at 1pm Eastern.
USDA announced the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) will be hosting a webinar for farmers, ranchers and other producers interested in applying for direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) this Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. ET.
A recording of the webinar, the answers to its questions, and other CFAP information can be found at www.farmers.gov/CFAP.
5/19:
Health, Immunity, and Food: Mitigating the Effects of COVID-19
REGISTER HERE
How can the food we eat help build our immunity and help lessen the effects of COVID-19?
Join Boma Grow USA and learn about the link between our immunity and viruses – and how eating whole foods can help boost health and fight off or lessen the impacts of COVID-19 and other viruses.
Inspiration
Food for Thought: Reducing the Ripple Effect
In difficult times, let us cultivate our gardens
José Andrés Helps the Nats Turn D.C.’s Baseball Stadium Into a Community Kitchen
The Moment for Food Sovereignty is NOW!
Little Free Libraries become Little Free Pantries
New Heroes: Mexican Farmers Work Hard To Supply Food Amid COVID-19
Funding
FEDERAL FUNDING RESOURCES
CARES Act:
- U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship: The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
- Penn State Extension: Small Business Benefits and the CARES Act: What Farm and Food Producers Need to Know
- Farm Commons: EIDL eligibility: Materials from that meeting are available at this folder link.
- In short, farmers are NOT Eligible for EIDL money.
Payroll Protection Plan (PPP): The self-employed, freelancers and independent contractors can now apply for PPP loans, and there are additional avenues for which to receive that support opening up. The program is meant to provide 8 weeks of payroll as a grant (effectively). Expenses to cover overhead for the operation–utilities, rent, etc.–are also included for the 8-week period, but may not exceed 25% of the total. The program is capped for yearly employee compensation of $100,000. Applicants must apply through their bank, which must be an SBA institution. For those who don’t have an existing relationship with a bank, consider these newly approved additional outlets such as Paypal, Intuit, Square, and Lendio. Farm Bureau members can now also apply through Farm Bureau Bank. More articles about the PPP linked below.
- American Farm Bureau: Paycheck Protection Loans Available to Farmers, Regardless of Revenue, Apply Now
- CFSA: COVID-19 Relief Funds Available to Farmers Starting Apr. 3
- SBA Coronavirus Relief Options
- Farm Commons: When, how, and why farmers can benefit from PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) at this folder link.
- Mountain Bizworks is a qualified NC lender.
The SBA and Treasury Department released the following resources. Please review these links for more specific information:
- Federal Register: SBA’s First Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program
- SBA Interim Final Rule for Sole-Proprietors
- Treasury FAQs on Paycheck Protection Program (updated on April 14, 2020)
- PPP Borrower Application Form (Updated April 2, 2020)
EMERGENCY RELIEF
COMPILED LIST OF ALL HERE! – Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders
Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund
American Farmland Trust launches Farmer Relief Fund
FACT – Emergency Mini Grant for Livestock & Poultry Farmers
F.A.R.M.S. Emergency Relief for Rural Farmers
Georgia Organics Farmer Fund — COVID-19 Emergency Relief For Farmers
RAFI Inquiry Form: Inquiry Form for Emergency Mini-Grants for Farmers impacted by COVID19 from RAFI-USA. *This is not a grant application.* Fill out this form to be notified of the future grant opportunity.
LOANS
NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending Program for Small Businesses and Farms
Mountain Bizworks NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan
One Buncombe Fund, loans available for small businesses located in Buncombe County, NC.
Seed Commons: Worker Response Fund
GRANTS/MUTUAL AID
Food & Land Sovereignty Resource List for COVID-19 LIST COMPILED BY SOUL FIRE FARM, BLACK FARMER FUND, AND NORTHEAST FARMERS OF COLOR. These are NEEDS and OFFERS for specific mutual aid related to community food sovereignty and farmers.
Georgia Organics COVID-19 Direct to Consumer Online Marketing Subsidies
Natural Capital Investment Fund Small businesses affected by COVID-19 in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
RAFI Mini-Grants for Farmers: Purpose of Funds: The mini-grant funding is $500 and is meant to lessen the immediate financial needs of farmers and their households. This means funds could cover expenses like food, medical bills, utility bills, etc. The funds are NOT meant to cover farm production expenses. Eligibility: Currently we are only able to award funding to farmers in North Carolina. Depending on funding we may be able to expand this demographic range. If you are not in NC you can still fill out an inquiry form here in the event our funding increases. You can access the word doc version of the application here.
RAFI Farmers of Color Grants: The RAFI Farmers of Color Network Fund is now open! RAFI Farmers of Color Network Fund provides support to farmers for new and innovative agricultural projects & ideas that will increase farm viability, support community food sovereignty efforts, preserve traditional & cultural farming practices, as well as assist local food economies. If you have an innovative project that will help you expand your farm and become more sustainable in your operation, don’t hesitate to propose your idea to us! Individual farmers may apply for a maximum of $5,000 and collaborative groups can apply for a maximum of $7,000.
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS/FUNDING CURRENTLY OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Sign-up is currently open in many states for conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP – now has an advance payment option) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP – now has a minimum payment that makes it more worthwhile to smaller farms)!
COVID note: While many USDA NRCS offices are currently only accessible via phone and email, it’s possible to sign up for these programs without an in-person visit! Call to begin the process.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP):
- Blog post
- Grassroots Guide page
- Advance payment option page from USDA
- Deadlines: Vary by state, some have passed
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP):
-
Deadlines: Vary by state, many are in June
Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) (including CLEAR):
-
Deadlines: none
Conservation Reserve Program Transition Incentives Program (CRP-TIP):
-
Deadlines: contracts must be signed before current CRP contract ends
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
-
Deadline: April 15 (extended) (more details in our roundup)
Markets & Marketing
Asheville Online Farmers Market Facebook Group
Civil Eaats: The Fight to Keep Farmer’s Markets Open During Coronavirus
Collaborative Marketing Software Programs:
- New in NC: MealSuite (1min video on how it works for farmers.)
- Farmigo
- Local Food Marketplace
- Harvie
- Barn2door (which also has a specific Coronavirus page)
- GrazeCart
- If you are interested in how to implement a shipping program, GrazeCart is opening their Perishable Shipping Course for 60 days at no charge to fellow farmers (normally valued at $1,500 per person).
E-Book: Is shipping right for your farm?
Economic Impact Assessment of COVID-19 on Farms Selling Through Local and Regional Markets
- Looking at signing up for an online sales platform? Take a look at the fine print before you sign. Listen to Episode 15.
- Launching a farm stand or doing distribution yourself and/or with other farmers? Watch out for the zoning code and other legal obligations that quickly shift once the farm starts doing delivery or direct sales. Episode 14.
Farmers Market Coalition Response to COVID-19
Georgia Organics COVID-19 Direct to Consumer Online Marketing Subsidies
Georgia Organics Good Food Guide
LocalListNC – for all small businesses in Durham & Orange County, and farms that serve these counties. Farms can create and update their listing, consumers can search for ways to support businesses.
NC Extension Online Sales Platforms for Direct to Consumer Sales
- Assistance for Selling Agricultural Products: The North Carolina Department of Agriculture is aware that farmers have seen disruptions in their normal distribution during this period of COVID-19 and social distancing. Retailers have seen panic buying patterns and are challenged to keep produce in stock and merchandised. If you are a NC grower of produce and looking to sell products that you don’t have a market for, we want to know. We will be compiling information, from NC growers, to distribute to major retailers on a weekly basis. This is not to be used as an alternate for markets that you already have. This service is set up to help those who don’t have markets to sell what they would normally. Call us weekly to update your availability and be listed in the distribution. This service will last until we no longer see a major need from the growers or interest from the retailers.
Patchwork Producers Alliance: We are establishing a producer’s alliance on a local food marketplace website. We are partnering with Mother Earth Food. The website is set up as a multi-vendor market. If you want to be in the loop, and aren’t already please email: PatchworkOM@gmail.com
RAFI: Supportive Alternative Sales Options for Direct to Market Farmers
Triangle Online Farmers Market
A COVID-19 Food Access Resource Map AND a COVID-19 Farm & Farmers Market Map are now available for the Charlotte region (NC & SC Counties). To add to or update information to the maps, use the surveys linked below:
Food Access Resource Survey – http://tiny.cc/
(for non-profits, agencies, pantries, faith based organizations, school distribution sites, etc.)
Safety Considerations
Agricultural Justice Project: Sign up for the newsletter here. Click here for AJP’s 2 page guidance for farms specifically on how to consider coronavirus in health & safety on the farm. It includes links to easy-to-understand infographics that can be posted for workers & short video clips that workers & farm & ranch managers can listen to or watch in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, & Maya Mam. For instructions on making a simple field handwashing station click here. There are additional portable homemade hand field station ideas images here & here for inspiration. For a more general guide to creating a comprehensive health & safety plan on your farm see an excerpt from their farmer toolkit here.
- Farmers are rightly concerned their families could be harmed by the virus, brought into their home by infected employees. Can farmers require “social distancing” or send home employees who are symptomatic? Can farmers take employee temperatures? Restrict movement off the farm? We have guidance in Episode 16 and Episode 13.
Food Safety & Coronavirus: A Comprehensive Guide
NC State Extension COVID-19 Food Safety Resources
Preliminary study on COVID-19 virus survival times on 4 surfaces
Safety Protocols For Food Distribution & Purchases During COVID-19
The National Farmers Market Coalition — farmers markets as public gathering spaces
NC Extension: Always Be Cleaning & Santizing, & Understanding Disinfection Webinar
For Gardeners
Inspiration
Education
“Ask a Sista Farmer” Gardening Show with Soul Fire Farm
Spring Gardening Series with Organic Growers School
- Follow OGS on instagram (@organicgrowersschool) and facebook.
Strengthening Our Food System Together in a Time of Crisis: This farminar will center women’s and gender-oppressed voices and welcomes all sectors of the food system.
Safety Considerations
Cooperative Gardens Commission: Health & Safety Guidelines for Community Gardens
Fruit Growers News: Considerations for fruit, vegetable growers related to coronavirus
Supplies & Resource Sharing
Asheville/Buncombe Fruit & Nut Club Listserv — perrennial plants available for lower prices than nurseries. Just ask!
Fifth Season Gardening Co is still open for business
For Consumers
Advocacy
Civil Eaats: The Fight to Keep Farmer’s Markets Open During Coronavirus
Disruption of agriculture labor needs addressed by agencies
National Young Farmers Coalition COVID-19 Response & Updates
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Ensure COVID-19 aids gets to farmers and food systems
Support These 35+ Organizations Helping Restaurants, Workers, and Farmers Survive COVID-19
Donate & Support
We Give a Share: Beyond CSA Individuals purchase a farm share that allows the farm to raise food for The Southside Kitchen to cook into meals for people living in affordable housing. 3500 meals per week. Support Local Agriculture Support Community Members in Need.
Health & Wellness
Purchasing Direct
A Local Foodie’s Guide to COVID-19
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s On Farm Pickup (& more) List – NC & SC farms can request to have their farm’s offerings added, consumers can search offerings
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Projects’s Interim Farmers Market
Georgia Organics Good Food Guide
LocalListNC – for all small businesses in Durham & Orange County, and farms that serve these counties. Farms can create and update their listing, consumers can search for ways to support businesses.
Lowcountry Local First: See list of where to buy fresh during COVID-19 in South Carolina here.
Mother Earth Foods Delivery Options
NCDA’s VisitNCFarms – app with farm offerings and some COVID updates
Organic Growers School Farm Network
Triangle Online Farmers Market – Triangle area farmers can post about their offerings
We Give a Share: Beyond CSA Individuals purchase a farm share that allows the farm to raise food for The Southside Kitchen to cook into meals for people living in affordable housing. 3500 meals per week. Support Local Agriculture Support Community Members in Need.
Inspiration
Food for Thought: Reducing the Ripple Effect
In difficult times, let us cultivate our gardens
José Andrés Helps the Nats Turn D.C.’s Baseball Stadium Into a Community Kitchen
Little Free Libraries become Little Free Pantries
New Heroes: Mexican Farmers Work Hard To Supply Food Amid COVID-19
News
“Big Farms Make Big Flu” with biologist Rob Wallace (28-min. video interview)
Civil Eats (for related consumer news)
Coronavirus Prep Divides Couples: How Many Cans of Tuna Are Too Many?
Coronavirus: The perils of our ‘just enough, just in time’ food system
Coronavirus is giving us all a taste of food insecurity
Farmers are destroying mountains of food. Here’s what to do about it
How to minimize the impact of Coronavirus on Food Security
Local Food in the Time of Coronavirus
New York Times: A Boom Time for the Bean Industry
On the COVID-19 crisis and the people’s right to food, health, livelihood
Tips for Responding to Hunger in a Pandemic
Resources by Region
Southern SAWG has established a working, editable document for resources throughout the Southeast, organized by state. The document is intended to assist individuals, farmers, nonprofits, restaurants and small businesses in finding state specific information on COVID-19.
North Carolina
NC State Extension COVID-19 Resource Portal
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Resources
RAFI’s Alternative Sales Options
Many of the farmer resources listed above are based in NC.
Virginia
Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation – The Food System and COVID-19
- With this online resource, we aim to:
- Serve stakeholders on and off-campus with curated public resources, news, and articles related to COVID-19 and the food system.
- Share ideas and inspiration about the food system and social change possibilities through position articles written by Center associates and fellows.
- Steward an ongoing dialogue about structural changes needed to address the inequities COVID-19 is highlighting in our food system.
Virginia Farmers Market Association — markets during COVID 19
VABF’s farmer listening session with guest VA farmers
Georgia
- FWA Survey: “Farmer Needs During COVID-19” In order to coordinate resources, funding, and support systems, we need to understand how farmers are being impacted. Please fill out this form to help us determine how we can best support you during this pandemic, and how we can work to find solutions to the logistical challenges in front of us.
- Purchasing Local Food
Georgia Organics COVID Resource Page
Georgia Organics Farmer Fund — COVID-19 Emergency Relief For Farmers
Online Platforms: Selecting, Setting Up, and Q&A — Georgia Organics Webinar — Thursday, APRIL 23 at 2:00 PMEST!
Learn what you’ll need to set up an online store and listen to the experiences of three Georgia farmers. We will go over a variety of online sales platforms, how different ones meet the needs of different kinds of farms, and some of the pros and cons of certain platforms.
We will also cover some basic information you’ll need to get started in your online platform once you’ve chosen one. We will have a more in-depth discussion on the a few of the most popular platform options, inc. Barn2Door, Harvie, and Squarespace, with farmers who have first-hand experience using them. This webinar will also include a live Q&A with farmers to answer your questions about online stores.
Tennessee
University of TN: COVID-19 Resources
South Carolina
Eat Smart Move More list of resources including best practices.
List of SC Grown Farmers across the state.
Lowcountry Local First advocates for local businesses (including farmers) in South Carolina and has already begun gathering feedback from their members through this survey to collect and share ideas for weathering this storm and supporting local businesses and farmers safely during this crisis.
SCACED Compiled list including funding, utility information and business support.
- The SC Office of Rural Health’s resource page provides guidance for healthcare workers, recommendations for the public, and travel advisories.
- SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center has created a comprehensive database for South Carolina families searching for answers about food access, housing, consumer protection, healthcare and other developments.
- SCACED has put together a list of resources of community development organizations
South Carolina Dept of Ag COVID-19 Resources
Together SC’s resource page includes resources for Non-Profits.
