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.
Financial Relief Updates
On April 24, 2020 additional funds were made available for Small Business Administration (SBA) programs providing disaster assistance related to COVID-19. Details include:
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) received an additional $310 billion – with $60 billion set aside for delivery only by smaller banks, credit unions, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Additional PPP-related information is enclosed in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resource tab below. Access to the PPP loan application is included here.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance received an additional $50 billion of EIDL “loan subsidy” as well as $10 billion in additional EIDL Advances. At this time, only agricultural business applications will be accepted due to limitations in funding availability. SBA is encouraging all eligible agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees wishing to apply to begin preparing their business financial information needed for their application. Access to the EIDL loan application is included here.
Financial Assistance Details about financial eligibility for unemployment insurance, paid family leave, disability insurance, relief from financial institutions, and a statewide moratorium on evictions
USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) USDA announces details of new financial assistance program (updated 5/22/2020 – with eligibility parameters that currently exclude dried fruit)
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Details about submitting comments related to the CFAP program eligibility parameters. (Comment period, May 2020 – August 2020)
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.
The document below from Cal/OSHA contains safety and health guidance regarding COVID-19 Infection Prevention for Agricultural Employers and Employees.
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
Worldwide tracker of confirmed COVID-19 cases, recoveries, and related deaths
COVID-19 Testing
The State has been working to establish additional COVID-19 testing sites, especially in rural communities. Below are multiple links regarding COVID-19 testing:
While DMV offices are currently closed to the public, extended online services are now available through the DMV Virtual Field Office as well as by mail:
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
Covid-19 Resources Comprehensive resources for employers, including employee communications in English and Spanish about preventing the spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 Checklist for Agricultural Operations Practical checklist for managing daily workplace considerations such as safe distribution of drinking water, hand washing guidance, sanitizing equipment/tools, and more
H-2A Visa Program Processing updates related to the H-2A program, along with resources to help H-2A employers identify available workers NOTE: For labor-related questions, contact: [email protected]
Announcements U.S. Department of Labor – OFLC news and updates, including issuance of electronic PERM labor certifications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 Overview Guidance for preventing exposures to, and infection with, COVID-19 in the workplace
PPE Suppliers Companies providing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19
FEMA Fact Sheet Considerations for how your organization manages PPE needs while ensuring the protection of workers during COVID-19
Request for Assistance If suppliers are unable to provide for your urgent PPE needs, submit a request for assistance to your state emergency management agency
The following monitoring report offers a range of headlines about food, agriculture and COVID-19. Coverage will be posted each Friday reflecting important news of the week.
