Local Food Systems
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/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
North Carolina State Extension COVID-19 for Community Gardens
Purdue University Extension Gardening: A Guide for Community Gardens during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Community Supported Agriculture
These resources provide steps Community Supported Agriculture operators should take to ensure the health of their staff, the public, and themselves amid COVID-19.
CSA Innovation Network
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 Success TM Program and University of Idaho Extension COVID-19 Resources
WEBINAR Series: Small Farm and Ranch Webinar Series: Cultivating Success: Sustainable Small Farms
Oregon State University Small Farms, Local Food and COVID-19: What Do You Need to Know?
Washington State University Farmer Resources to Respond to COVID-19 Disruption
University of Connecticut COVID-19 Resources for Farmers
Jayson Lusk Blog - Food and Agricultural Economist
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Blog Posts:
COVID-19's Economic Impact on Local Food Markets
Mitigating Immediate Harmful Impacts of COVID-19 on Farms and Ranches through Local Markets
North Carolina State University COVID Farming Resources
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association COVID-19 Resources
Uniersity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture COVID-19 Resources
Virginia Cooperative Extension COVID-19 Resources (Farmers Markets, U-Pick, Community Gardens)
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.
H2-A Visa Program
The COVID-19 Crisis: Planning for Extra Care on Your Small/Mid-Sized Farm
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.
Continue Driving Sales During COVID-19: Is a Drive-Thru Market Right for You? Webinar Recording (Added 03/30/2020)
Drive-thru Farmers Markets Webinar Recording and Additional Resources/Links (Added 04/14/2020)
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:
Cash grants up to $1,000 each for small to mid-sized direct farm marketers. Initial application extending until April 23, 2020. (Added 04/06/2020)
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)
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 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
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
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.