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 During Harvest
Harvest is a critical time to protect your employees, especially if your crew is traveling from another worksite or harvest. Use the links below to stay informed of current health safety guidelines as well as future opportunities for reimbursements.
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.
Safety Tips in English and Spanish
As harvest intensifies 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 Small Business Administration (SBA) provides disaster assistance related to COVID-19. Details include:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The PPP is providing small businesses with the resources they need to maintain payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead. The enclosed PDF provides a top-line overview of PPP.
On June 6, the President signed legislation providing more flexibility and relief for small businesses, including extending the covered period for loan forgiveness from eight weeks after the date of loan disbursement to 24 weeks and lowering the requirements that 75 percent of a borrower’s loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs to 60 percent. Please see the following resources that you can use as a potential PPP borrower:
Financial Assistance Details about financial eligibility for unemployment insurance, paid family leave, disability insurance, relief from financial institutions, and a statewide moratorium on evictions
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).
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:
International Nut and Dried Fruit (INC) Industry News Comprehensive insights from global public health organizations and a country-by-country update on actions being taken to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.
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 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.
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.
