COVID-19 Resource Center - California Prunes

California Prune Industry Standing Together

Food & Agriculture has never been more important and together we are all an essential part of the supply chain that feeds and nourishes our communities around the globe. The California Prune Board is adapting to changes in daily operations as many in our industry are doing as well. We remain focused on staying nimble and providing information and resources that bridge continuity and being prepared for the future.

This page offers a variety of resources that will inform you about how to be best prepared in your operations as well as insight on what California Prunes is doing to pivot amid new updates each week.

Keeping Your Workers Safe

It is a critical time to protect your employees, especially if your crew is traveling from another worksite. Use the links below to stay informed of current health safety guidelines as well as future opportunities for reimbursements.

Cal/OSHA announced that the emergency regulations to protect workers from COVID-19 are now in effect. See the FAQs and a one-page fact sheet on the regulation, as well as a model COVID-19 prevention program.
The CDFA has compiled a list of free and up-to-date worker safety resources.
This document can be posted and shared with employees and offers straightforward advice on how to prevent, educate, and respond to COVID-19.
This document reinforces and broadens the education component by highlighting what actions have worked best in the field for farmworker education.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Employers and Essential Workers

Vaccination is one of the important tools to help stop the pandemic. The CDC has provided the enclosed information to keep you informed on COVID-19 vaccines and has answered questions for those who have concerns about getting the vaccine.

For Employers – Growers & Processors:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): A COVID-19 vaccine FAQ from an employers’ perspective
COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet: A plain-language fact sheet about the COVID-19 vaccine is available in English and Spanish
Letter to Employees: Customize this letter about COVID-19 vaccination to send to your staff

Additionally, please see further guidance about COVID-19 vaccine considerations in the workplace provided by our communications agency, here. Please use the additional guidance according to your needs.

View Guidance PDF

For Employees:

What to Expect (English & Spanish): Quick facts about the COVID-19 vaccine, including what to expect while getting the vaccine and after.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Answers to common questions employees may have about the vaccination.
Additional Information for People Worried about COVID-19 Vaccination: Additional questions you might have along with perspectives about rumors and myths that have circulated about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Other Resources:

California’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan: This website shows California’s phased-approach to vaccination. The state is currently in Phase 1B Tier One (as of 1/29/21) that allows those working in food and agriculture to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information by County

Safety Tips in English and Spanish

Throughout the state, the California Department of Public Health is offering new public education resources, specifically with the needs of the farmworker community in mind. The materials are available in both Spanish and English versions and are ready for download and distribution below.

Safety Guidance – Tips for Traveling Safely to Work and Staying Safe Upon Return to Home
Infographic: English or Spanish

COVID-19 – Basic Safety Tips
Infographic: English or Spanish

Financial Relief Updates

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans beginning Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans beginning Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility include:

PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
Has no more than 300 employees; and
Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

The new guidance released includes:

Financial Help Resources

COVID-19 Disaster Assistance Overview
Details and eligibility information related to the SBA disaster assistance loan programs

COVID-19 Relief Options
Overview of various relief options, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Express Bridge Loans, and debt relief

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

New guidance for the re-opening of the PPP including PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns; Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act; and Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans.
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program Deferral
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced a one-time annual payment deferral option for Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) borrowers.

COVID-19 and USDA Assistance for Farmers
Comprehensive USDA site dedicated to a range of financial assistance programs for farmers related to COVID-19. The site also offers resources for conducting business on-line during the pandemic.

USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
New online portal for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) applications. CFAP is designed to help offset price declines and additional marketing costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are Here to Help

For specific questions or needs about navigating COVID-19 from a communications perspective. At all times – and especially now – please consider the California Prune Board team as a resource to you. We can discuss your specific situation, as well as connect you with other communications experts who can help as needed. Please reach Kiaran Locy at [email protected] to discuss tools, resources and support that may be helpful to you.

To that end, please download the Essential Employee Designation Letter templates (in English and Spanish) below for your use. You are welcome to adapt and share with your employees who may require proof of their essential employment status.

Please see the enclosed link to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Labor on COVID-19 prevention and control in agricultural settings (issued June 3, 2020).

COVID-19 Status and General Information

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19

FDA input on a range of topics, including cleaning guidelines for food facilities

Tips on Good Nutrition and Using the Updated Nutrition Facts Label During the Coronavirus Pandemic

FDA shares how consumers who may be shopping and cooking more are looking for ways to keep their family healthy – the nutrition facts label gives them information they are seeking

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Global Updates

State and County Status and Resources

COVID-19 Public Education Resources

Safety Guidance – Tips for Traveling Safely to Work and Staying Safe Upon Return to Home
Infographic: English or Spanish

COVID-19 – Basic Safety Tips
Infographic: English or Spanish

Ready-to-print and distribute resources for farmworker safety on the job and at home.

Local Health Services/Offices
Search by county or city for local health services department contacts, as well as information on programs and information related to you and your region

COVID-19 Updates
Extensive resources and updates about COVID-19 in California

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the Food Supply Chain
FDA statement on COVID-19 and the food supply, along with general prevention tips

Agricultural Resources

FDA COVID-19 Food Safety Resource Center
Comprehensive resources available to industry members and consumers on COVID-19 and food safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use in the Food and Agriculture Sector
Fact sheet designed to help answer questions about what respirators, disposable facemasks, such as surgical or medical masks, or cloth face coverings are most appropriate for various settings.

Confirmed Positive COVID-19 Employees in Food Production Settings
Summary on what to do if you have COVID-19 confirmed positive or exposed workers in your food production, storage, or distribution operations.
USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)
CFAP 2 is designed to help offset price declines and additional marketing costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are open now through December 11, 2020.

COVID-19 Industry Guidance
Food industry Q&A, including guidance on environmental testing if a food processing facility employee tests positive for COVID-19
NOTE: For FDA-related questions, contact: https://cfsan.secure.force.com/Inquirypage/

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
USDA input on a range of topics, including inspections, USDA loans, and service center operations

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Food Supply: Critical Infrastructure
CDFA guidance on COVID-19 and the role of food and agriculture as a critical sector

Food Safety and Inspections
Status and processes related to food facility inspections

Resources for Food and Agriculture Employers
Guidance on key issues, such as sick leave and childcare, along with additional resources from the California Labor Workforce and Development Agency

Economic Resources for Businesses
Wide range of economic-related resources, including a listing of federal, state, and local government programs for small businesses and tax relief support

COVID-19 Awareness for Agriculture
This document can be posted and shared with employees and offers straightforward advice on how to prevent, educate, and respond to COVID-19.

TIPS: Educating Farmworkers on COVID-19
This document reinforces and broadens the education component by highlighting what actions have worked best in the field for farmworker education.
Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater
Details about the safety of the U.S. water supply during the COVID-19 pandemic
Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
Comprehensive list of cleaning agents to use against COVID-19

Pesticide Registration Applications
Access to an online portal for pesticide registration applicationowns
NOTE: In an abundance of caution due to COVID-19, Pesticide Registration Applicants should know that EPA is only accepting electronic submissions rather than hand deliveries until further notice.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
News releases, fact sheets and COVID-19 guidance from FEMA

FEMA FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
FEMA input on a range of topics, including food, employment and financial resources
Coronavirus Rumor Control
Separating COVID-19 fact from fiction

National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC)
Resource for navigating supply chain-related issues
NOTE: For supply chain issues, contact: [email protected]