COVID-19: Farming Resources
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Collapse ▲Page Content
(Last update 11/25/2020)
- Introduction
- General COVID-19 Knowledge
- How Can I Help My Community?
- Food Safety
- Staff Management and Labor
- Supply Chain
- Financial Help
- Alternative Sales
- Statewide N.C. Cooperative Extension County Center Update
- Agri-tourism and Viticulture Resources
- How to cope with stress on a farm?
Where and how to get tested for COVID-19?
North Carolina in Phase 3
- Bars may operate outdoors at 30% capacity – or 100 guests, whatever is less.
- Mass gatherings are limited to 10 people inside and 50 people outside
- Restaurants can continue to open at 50 % dine-in capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements.
- The 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars was extended.
- See the NCDHHS website to see FAQs on current executive orders and COVID-19 safety precautions for farms and farmworkers.
- NCDA & CS agriculture assistance hotline Please call: 1-866-747-9823
COVID-19 is a viral infectious disease
caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 or SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has impacted over 180 countries all over the world and has been classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020. At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19.
If part of your company has to be closed due to regulations:
- Can sales be moved online? – See Alternative Sales * takes you to the top of our site
- Can we function as a ‘store’ rather than a tourism place? – See Alternative Sales * takes you to the top of our site
- How can I make sure that my staff will be able to pay their bills, even if I have to lay them off? – See Labor * takes you to our site and Financial Help * takes you to our site
- Are there possibilities for reimbursement from the state/federal government? – See Financial Help * takes you to our site
If part of your company (or all of it) is operational:
- What are the food safety concerns? – See Food Safety
- How do I have to organize my labor force? – See Labor
- How to manage and attract customers in a safe space, despite the pandemic? – See Alternative Sales
- Work-flow optimization and new technologies. – See Labor and Automation
- What are alternative sales options? – See Alternative Sales
- How can I help the community – See Community
The COVID-19 Situation also can cause a lot of stress for you, your family members and employees. Please visit our new section: How to cope with stress on a farm?
What to do if there is a COVID-19 case on my farm?
- Be prepared and have a plan. COVID-19 is a reportable disease and affected people need to be quarantined. Please see here important information from the NCDHHS on how to protect migrant farm workers.
- Please find here guidelines on personal protective equipment on NC farms
- Temporary Worker Housing COVID-19 Guidance
- N.C. Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet: FAQ: COVID-19 and small produce farms
- COVID-19 Resources for fresh fruit and vegetable producers.
Webinars
- Recorded webinar from PASA: COVID-19 Guidelines for Farmers and Markets
- Recorded webinar from NC State Extension: How to Create an Online Farm Store
- Recorded webinar from NC FarmLink: NC FarmLink links farmers and farm workers. Watch the recorded webinar on their program.
1) General COVID-19 Knowledge
During the COVID-19 crisis, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) will continue to receive, store and ship USDA Foods and Farm to School produce to all eligible recipient agencies with changes to the operating procedure to enhance social distancing. The NCDA & CS Emergency Program works closely with local communities to support agrosecurity, agricultural emergency preparedness and recovery, and rapid response technology efforts by establishing public-private partnerships between vital government agencies, industry, and volunteers.
We recommend wearing gloves when getting in contact with customers and perform distancing practices at all times. If possible, move contacts into open field settings. Washing hands frequently and not touching face and mouth parts are imperative for your own safety. Please see our NC State Extension Food Safety Resources for details.
Important Resources
- NC State Extension COVID-19 Portal
- NC State Extension Food Safety Resources (Comprehensive information on hygiene and food safety for Home/Garden; Retail; U-pick; Farmers-markets)
- Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) COVID-19 Resources
- NCDA&CS Coronavirus Homepage
- NCDHHS: Coronavirus
- NC Governor Cooper Press Releases
- NC food distribution as response to Covid-19
- US Department of Education
- CDC: Coronavirus
- WHO: Coronavirus
- AgriSafe
2) How Can I Help My Community?
For Farmers:
-
- The NC food bank is prepared to accept large and small donations from farms. Read more.
- Take extra cautious food safety measures.
- Support laid-off workers in any way you can. Please think about using the NC Farm Link homepage and contact your local Extension Agent if you are in need of labor
- Coordinate with your local farmers market to provide customers with the safest and healthiest shopping experience.
- Communicate. Whether it’s labor, supplies, or food, you won’t know how to provide assistance if you don’t know who needs help and what they need help with.
- Please reach out to local churches and community leaders to support the needs of your community during this time.
For all of us:
- The NC Food Bank is committed to serving those in need.
- CEFS is establishing a list of resources for agricultural production, education, and consumers
- North Carolina Center for Nonprofits provides comprehensive resources for nonprofit organizations in response to COVID-19.
- Participate in volunteer work. NCDHHS asks for health care medical supplies, volunteers and medical professionals to provide patient care and assist with COVID-19.
- Get in contact with nonprofits and find out how you and your operations can help. Here some NC State Networks:
- ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, a nonprofit in Asheville, NC) is supporting farmers in adapting to this particular time.
- How You Can Help The NC Community During Coronavirus: WUNC is compiling a list of organizations asking for support during this unprecedented time. This post will be updated periodically with new information.
- Volunteer Opportunities COVID-19
3) Food Safety
Regulations will impact harvest, packaging, transportation, and sales as well as consumer education on food safety. Natalie Seymour and Benjamin Chapman from North Carolina State University have developed a comprehensive guideline on food safety, which can be found here:
Please visit NC State Food Safety Resources.
Por favor visita NC State Food Safety Resources.
Information and Flyers are available in Spanish and in English for the following:
- For Grocery Stores
- For Food Banks
- For Farmers Markets
- For U-Pick Operations (see also below)
- For Farm Stands
- For Packinghouses
- For Agri-business
- Retail Signs, Social Media Images and Info-sheets
Information and Flyers in Mandarin:
- 冠状病毒是⻝品安全问题吗 (Is Coronavirus a Food Safety Issue?, 5.14.20)
- ⾃⼰动⼿做布⼝罩 (Do-It-Yourself Cloth Face Coverings, 5.14.20)
- 冠状病毒会在超市会成为担⼼吗？(Is Coronavirus a Concern at the Grocery Store?, 5.14.20)
- 处理⽣鲜⻝物时，是否应该担⼼冠状病毒？(Is Coronavirus a Concern with Fresh Produce?,5.14.20)
- 冠状病毒是否会为外带⻝品造成问题？(Is Coronavirus a Concern with Takeout?,5.14.20)
- ⽣病了该怎么办 (What to Do If Sick,5.14.20)
U-Pick Operations:
How do consumers clean fresh produce?
COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness (FDA). Please tell your customers to wash fresh produce under running water. Using any disinfectant chemicals, wipes or acids is not recommended and can be dangerous!
Please use these print-out resources:
Important Resources
- NC State Extension Food Safety Resources
- (Comprehensive information on hygiene and food safety for Home/Garden; Retail; U-pick; Farmers-markets)
- Farmers Market Sheet (pdf)
- Weekly webinar for Farmers Market Managers to discuss best practices under COVID-19 conditions
- FDA temporary policy regarding preventative controls during the COVID-19 outbreak
- US Department of Agriculture: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
4) Staff Management and Labor
What to do if there is a COVID-19 case on my farm?
- Be prepared and have plan. COVID-19 is a reportable disease and affected people need to be quarantined. Please see this important information from the NCDHHS on how to act if farm workers are tested positive!
- Personal protective equipment guidelines
- Please find these guidelines on personal protective equipment on NC farms
- Temporary Worker Housing COVID-19 Guidance
- N.C. Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet: FAQ: COVID-19 and small produce farms
- COVID-19 Resources for fresh fruit and vegetable producers.
- COVID-19: Vendor tests positive or is exposed to someone who has
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Disinfection:
- USDA Personal Protective Equipment COVID-19 Guidances in English and Spanish
- USDA excel sheet to assess farmers’ need for PPE: Send to foodsupplychain@usda.gov. Questions to: tutorr@ecu.edu
Labor Management:
- Please use the NC Farm Link homepage and contact your local Extension Agent if you are in need of labor or if you need to lay off people. You will help them and your community
- FAQ for H2-A Employers
General Recommendations:
Make sure that all your staff has Personal Protective Equipment available!
Develop a contingency plan for your staff. A contingency plan will help to organize and manage your labor force. Include full-time, temporary labor and H-2A workers into the plan. The contingency plan for staff should answer following questions:
- What are the responsibilities?
- How can you create physical and timely distance between your staff?
- Are there hygiene products available? How do you instruct staff on new work environments?
- Are there staff members who can work remotely?
- Who is essential, who can be working from home?
- How is staff transported?
- Will staff be tested for COVID-19?
Maintain strong communication with your employees.
Sanitation practices are important whether an employee falls ill or not.
Important Resources
- Farmworker Health Clinics in North Carolina (Available in English and Spanish)
- English and Spanish COVID-19 Infosheets
- NCDHHS COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
- COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry
- Farming presents many challenges and so often, these challenges are out of a farmer’s control. Learn more about RAFI-USA’s Farmer Hotline. The Hotline can be reached at 866-586-6746, and is staffed Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m EST.
5) Supply Chain
Essential Business and Worker Information
Market Access
- How Produce Growers + Packagers Can Stabilize Retail Supply Chain During Coronavirus Pandemic – Resource from NC Food Innovation Lab
- Access to PPE: How to make your own face mask
- Food entrepreneur strategies after COVID-19
- FOA has a FAQ page regarding COVID-19 and its effect on food and agriculture
- How to operate a UPick operation during the COVID-19 pandemic
- COVID-19 Informational brochures on UPick operations (in english and spanish)
- What fruit and vegetable growers need to know about COVID-19: An interview with Dr. Chris Gunter from the NCSU food safety team
- The Science of Panic Buying and How to Stop It – Cornell University
How NC Farmlink is responding to COVID-19:
- NC FarmLink has modified its policies to allow N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents to register NC FarmLink accounts and create farmer profiles **on behalf of Landowners & Farm Owners** and **on behalf of Farm Seekers**.
- Labor: This google form was created to gather contact information on individuals seeking to work on farms in North Carolina. The associated spreadsheet will be available to ag agents with a short guide on how to filter the sheet by county. Information shared from this spreadsheet must be shared in a limited manner, e.g. no more than 3 rows shared at any instance. To gain access to view the spreadsheet that contains labor wants and offers, please request permission when prompted by google when you first attempt to open the spreadsheet.
- NC FarmLink staff welcome the opportunity to arrange online meetings with property owners as well as farm seekers. This online google form allows individuals and agents the ability to request a meeting related to NC FarmLink program mission and goals.
6) Financial Help
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)
- Understanding the Coronavirus Food Assistant Program
- APPLICATIONS CLOSE DECEMBER 11, 2020
Economic Injury Disaster Loan
- Apply for the EIDL
- Agriculture businesses, including black farmers, can qualify for USDA disaster loans up to $150,000
Funding and Relief Possibilities
- Troxler Announces COVID-19 Assistance for Farmers Market Operators and Local Food Hubs: Farmers markets operators and local food hubs can apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Emergency Aid for Farmers Market Operators and Local Food Hubs program
- RAFI-USA Grants $130,500 to support members of its farmers of color network
- RAFI Grant Opportunities for Farms
- The ReadyAG© workbook is designed to help farm and ranch owners be better prepared to deal with disasters and catastrophic events that can occur on their farm or ranch.
- COVID-19 Economic Implications for Agriculture, Food, and Rural America
7) Alternative Sales
- First, talk to your farmers market to determine what resources they have available to you. Many markets throughout NC have already developed market solutions for their vendors. Please also see this infosheet on handling COVID-19 at farmers markets.
- Consider a safe and healthy U-Pick option. Take a look at the COVID-19 FAQ for U-Pick Farms document for helpful information that will keep you and your clientele protected from virus transmission. A guide on how to run a UPick operation during the COVID-19 pandemic is also available, and you can find it in the March 29 NCSU Extension COVID-19 daily farmers update.
- Set up alternative pick-up sites or coordinate delivery services. Establish a pick-up site that customers can go to each week to pick up meat and produce. Or, if you have the capacity, consider delivering door-to-door. Get your farm on the North Carolina map of farms offering pick-ups, curbside stands, and more.
- Take online or call-in orders. There are plenty of free, online ordering form services (see below). Farmers can also consider creating a google form or taking calls for pre-orders.
- Communicate your alternative sales methods to customers. Communication can take place on your website, the market’s website, your social media, and/or email chains. Make sure to clearly communicate what products you’re offering, how people can place orders, how people can pay, the deadline for online orders, and where they can pick up their purchases. It’s also important to be up-front about how you are following food safety protocols.
- Always follow health department guidance. Whether you continue to sell at a farmers market or if you’ve developed an alternative sales method, it is important to follow health and safety guidelines. Ensure that people interacting with customers in-person are aware of the precautions they need to take and are well supplied with the necessary sanitation supplies. See the Food Safety section for more info.
Important Resources
- Cornell Small Farms: How to Build Market Resistance
- COVID-19 Best Practices for Agribusiness (pdf)
- COVID-19 FAQ for U-Pick Farms (pdf)
- COVID-19 FAQ for Farm Stands (pdf)
- Farmers Market Health and Safety Guidelines (pdf)
- Food Retail Signs: Don’t Shop While Sick (pdf)
- Free, online ordering form service
- Guidance for Produce Farms and Packing Houses (pdf)
- How to create a google order form video (YouTube)
- NCSU Local Food Recommendation
- PSU’s ReadyAG© workbook to help farms through disasters and catastrophic events
- Washing Produce Infosheet (pdf)
8) N.C. Cooperative Extension County Centers Update (11/25/2020)
Alamance Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Alamance County Center is closed to walk-in traffic, however, we are now open by appointment only (call or email first).
Alexander Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19, in-person programming is limited & scheduling an appointment is encouraged. If you come inside please wear a face covering
Alleghany Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our office has reopened with social distancing guidelines in place. We are still able to assist you by virtual methods if you prefer.
Anson Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our office is open and operating with limited staff. Please call or email for assistance.
Ashe Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19 protocol, our office is currently closed to the public. We are available for phone calls at (336) 846-5850
Avery Co. Cooperative Extension Center
Beaufort Co. Cooperative Extension Center we will be continuing to practice social distancing.
Bertie Co. Cooperative Extension Center Due to COVID-19 the office is temporarily closed. However, the staff is still available to assist you. Please call at (252)794-5317.
Bladen Co. Cooperative Extension Center
Brunswick Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Buncombe Co. Cooperative Extension Center is now open to the public. On-site staffing is limited so appointments are recommended.
Burke Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Cabarrus Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open to the public. Face masks (covering the nose and mouth) are required for anyone entering our facility.
Caldwell Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to concerns associated with COVID-19 Cooperative Extension is closed to the public. Contact us at 757.1290 or tina_lovejoy@ncsu.edu.
Camden Co. Cooperative Extension Center Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, please wear a mask when visiting our office. Thank You!
Carteret Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Please call us to make an appointment in the interest of public safety or let us know if we can assist you via email or phone.
Caswell Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. “Our office is open to the public by appointment only. Agents are in on a limited schedule. Please call 336-694-4158 for assistance.
Catawba Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed November 26 & 27, 2020 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Chatham Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to a cyber incident, county email and phones are inoperable for an undetermined amount of time; the office remains closed to the public.
Cherokee Co. Cooperative Extension Center Due to COVID-19 please call our email us so we can make arrangements to assist you. (828) 837-2210 or by email.
Chowan Co. Cooperative Extension Center is closed to the public. Staff are available by phone or email for assistance, (252)482-6585.
Clay Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19, Please call our office for an appointment, 828-389-6305.
Columbus Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19, beginning 3/31/20, our office will be closed to the public. All classes and meetings are cancelled until further notice. Please contact our office by emailing our individual staff members, or by calling. Please see Meet our Staff for contact information.
Craven Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Cumberland Co. Cooperative Extension Center is currently closed to staff and all visitors. For assistance please call 910-321-6860
Currituck Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19, our office is open by appointment only, please call 232-2261
Dare Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. We are working remotely due to a lack of Internet at the office. Please email us for assistance.
Davidson Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. The Davidson Co. Center is open/operating with two agents per day on site, practicing social distancing, and COVID-19 risk reduction.
Durham Co. Cooperative Extension Center our building is currently closed, but are still here for you! Email, phone, and virtual services available as noted in the news article on their website.
EBCI center is closed due to COVID-19. For help, please check the “Meet the Staff” tab to find phone numbers and emails.
Edgecombe Co. Cooperative Extension Center Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the building is closed to the public. Staff will be ready to help you via phone or email
Forsyth Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our building is open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily; staff are working 2-3 days/week at the center. Please visit “Meet our Staff” to contact our staff.
Franklin Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. The office is open daily with limited staff. Please call 919-496-3344 for assistance.
Gaston Co. Cooperative Extension Center Due to COVID-19, Citizens Resource Center, we ask that you wear a mask and social distance when visiting our office.
Gates Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to the COVID 19 precautions our office is currently open by appointment only. Please call 252-357-1400 for assistance.
Granville Co. Cooperative Extension Center is now open to walk-ins. Please call or email to contact an Agent.
Greene Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. We are open to the public 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Some programs and events have been cancelled and some are offered virtually. Call for more information.
Guilford Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our office is open M-F, 8-5. A face covering must be worn and social distancing observed. Enter on side of flagpole and call for entry.
Halifix Co. Cooperative Extension Center due to COVID-19 restrictions the office is closed. You may email any agent for assistance or call (252) 583-5161 for assistance or to reach any agent.
Harnett Co Cooperative Extension Center Harnett County Government Buildings are closed for public access. You can continue to reach the center by email or phone.
Haywood Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Haywood County offices are currently closed to the public. Click on the Meet Our Staff tab to find staff emails and phone #s.
Henderson Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. We are open! We’re limited to 3 visitors at one time. Appointments are recommended.
Hertford Co. Cooperative Extension will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19 precautions our office is currently closed. Please email or call 252-358-7822 for assistance.
Hoke Co. Cooperative Extension Center
Hyde Co. Cooperative Extension Center
Iredell Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19, in-person programming is limited & scheduling an appointment is encouraged. Call 704-873-0507 or email staff directly.
Jackson Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Jackson County Center office is OPEN by appointment only. Please call 828-586-4009 to schedule an appointment with our agents. Thank you
Johnston Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Lee Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00noon. Please call and an agent will get back to you shortly.
Lenoir Co. Cooperative Extension Center We are open to the public. Please follow the state guidelines posted at our entrance. On August 4th our office will open at 10:00 a.m
Madison Co. Cooperative Extension Center is now open to the public. Our staff will adhere to safety and social distancing protocols
Martin Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
McDowell Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Mecklenburg Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed today, 11/25/2020 for COVID-19 precautions. All in-person activities are online, canceled, or postponed until reopening. Please contact staff via email if possible. Remember the 3 Ws!
Mitchell Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Mitchell County Center is open. Staff are working and available by phone and email. Face-to-face meetings are by appointment only.
Montgomery Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Following COVID-19 precautions and County Government Regulations our offices will be open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Moore Co. Cooperative Extension Center staff will be accessible via email or phone. Staff contact info: https://moore.ces.ncsu.edu/people/
Nash Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open to the public however due to Covid 19, we encourage you to reach out to our Extension employees by phone or email.
New Hanover Co. Cooperative Extension Center The picnic area & greenhouse sustained hurricane damage, have been fenced off and for your safety are off-limits to all visitors.
Northampton Co. Cooperative Extension Center will close early today, 11/25/2020, at 12:00 p.m. for the holiday. Notice: Northampton County Citizens are encouraged to conduct business via phone and/or email until further notice.
Onslow Co. Cooperative Extension will be closed today, 11/25/2020 for the holiday. face-to-face interactions have been limited effective immediately. Contact staff by email or phone to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Orange Co. Cooperative Extension Center office currently closed for COVID-19 precautions and will stay closed until further notice. Please contact agents for additional assistance.
Pamlico Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our office is now open to the public again. Please use social distancing when coming in and please stay home if you are sick.
Pasquotank Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. We are open to the public but we encourage you to call 252-338-3954 or email if possible.
Pender Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with limited staff. If no one is in the office call Mark Seitz at 910-604-4287 if you need help.
Perquimans Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Person Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Pitt Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open by appointment ONLY. Please call or email for assistance.
Polk Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Randolph Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Richmond Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open with doors locked to monitor access. Masks, temperature check, sign in requested of clients.
Robeson Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Rockingham Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. UPDATE: Agents are working remotely on a rotating basis. Community members are encouraged to call ahead to schedule appointments.
Rowan Co. Cooperative Extension Center In response to COVID-19, Rowan County Cooperative Extension is operating with limited staff in the office. Please call 704-216-8970 first.
Rutherford Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open to visitors by appointment only. Feel free to call or email staff. Call 287-6010
Sampson Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Scotland Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Stanly Co. Cooperative Extension Center WE ARE OPEN as of May 11th. Following COVID-19 precautions, our offices will serve one client at a time. All staff available by phone/email.
Stokes Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. UPDATE: Agents are working remotely on a rotating basis. Community members are encouraged to call ahead to schedule appointments.
Surry Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our agents are working remotely on a rotating basis. Calling ahead (336-401-8025) is encouraged.
Swain Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open. Please call 828-488-3848 for more information.
Transylvania Co. Cooperative Extension Center is open. Please review our postings and calendar below for information on programs.
Tyrrell Co. Cooperative Extension Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the office is closed until further notice. Staff are still available via phone or email during normal office hours.
Union Co. Cooperative Extension Center our office is open M-F 8 a.m. – 12 noon by appointment only. Please see “Meet our Staff” for contact info to schedule your appointments.
Vance Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday.
Wake Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Please reach out to us at 919-250-1101 or by email to connect with our staff.
Warren Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Our office is currently open with a limited on-site staff. If you need assistance, please call 252-257-3640 to schedule an appointment.
Washington Co. Cooperative Extension Center Face Masks are mandatory to be worn in county buildings. Please make sure you have one before entering.
Watauga Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, please call to set up an appointment to speak with an agent.
Wayne Co. Cooperative Extension Center all in-person events have been cancelled or postponed for the immediate future. Contact the office with any questions you may have!
Wilkes Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19 protocol, please call ahead before visiting the office or call/email our staff members below (information @ Meet Our Staff).
Wilson Co. Cooperative Extension Center
Yadkin Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Agents are working remotely on a rotating basis. Calling ahead at 336-849-7908 for appointments is encouraged.
Yancey Co. Cooperative Extension Center will be closed tomorrow, Thu 11/26/2020 for the holiday. Due to COVID-19 the office is open for one on one meetings in designated areas. Appointments are recommended, please call for assistance.
9) Agri-tourism Resources
We recommend that all agri-tourism managers and owners keep records of issues that arise due to the pandemic. In order to claim possible assistance later on, it is important to have a proven record of issues now!
- NC Wine Guys: Comprehensive Database for NC Wineries!! Please enter your information
- WEBINAR: An Overview of the CARES Act with the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Team (recorded 3/27)
TBB and Handsanitizer Production:
Please see this page of the American Craft Spirits Assoc. for all resources and forms needed to produce Hand Sanitizer
- TTB: Tips for Timely Processing of TTB Approvals and Requests During COVID-19 Emergency
- TTB: Updated Hand Sanitizer Guidance to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
- TTB: Returns of Products Purchased for Events Cancelled Due to COVID-19
- TTB: TTB Informal Advice on Brewers Producing Hand Sanitizer
- To avoid delays or disruption to your operations during this period, we strongly encourage you to use our online filing options for all necessary TTB approvals. More Information: Wine America Post.
- How to file for a permission to produce ethanol based handsanitizers (for distilled spirits producers)
- Note from Wine America on possible returns of alcoholic beverages after cancellation of events
- Wine Institute: Reinforcement of prohibition of on-site consumption
ABC Resources:
- North Carolina Utilities Commission Suspends Disconnections for Non-payment, Allows Reconnection, and Waives Certain Fees
- ABC Regulatory Relief in additional categories
Important Resources
- Restaurant Workers Relief Fund helps restaurant workers
- NC Muscadine Grower Association COVID-19 Resource Page
- NC Wine Database for NC Wineries. Please enter your information
Department of Labor:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 Overview
- Questions about Family Medical Leave Act and Fair Labor Standards Act
- EPA-approved list of Coronavirus antimicrobial products
U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Staying Connected with Customers Through the Coronavirus Outbreak
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: 5 Resources to Help Your Business Survive the Corona Virus
- U.S. Department of the Treasury: Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak
Other Resource Pages:
- National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus – Tips for Restaurants
- The Brewers Assoc. homepage of resources
- The American Craft Spirits Association has a resource and webinar page with a large amount of legal and practical information.
- Wine Direct Updates
- California Association of Winegrape Growers COVID-19 Homepage
10) How to cope with Stress
Farming is one of the most stressful occupations, even in the best of times. Budget is tight, crops fail, equipment breaks, weather is unpredictable, as is the crop market price, and labor is short. These are things every farmer has to deal with. Farming is hard and often under-appreciated. However, the changes that COVID-19 brings can seem more overwhelming than usual. And if you are facing new problems during the pandemic, that very well can cause excessive stress and anxiety, leading to a cascade of negative thoughts and sometimes acts of self-harm. The good news is that there are many warning signs you can catch early, before you or someone you love gets to this point. Often stress levels rise, and can reach toxic levels. While everyone copes with stress differently, there are some tell-tell signs of toxic stress:
- Changes in physical health: trouble sleeping; no appetite; headaches; stomach distress; excessive fatigue; muscle cramps and aches
- Changes in behavior: not doing usual activities (ex. church), not taking good care of farm or home; missing important meetings; increased substance use (including excess drinking)
- Changes in thinking: trouble concentrating or making decisions, being more frequently critical over small things; negative thoughts about self that won’t go away
- Changes in emotions: loss of enthusiasm, anxiety, depression, sense of hopelessness, not able to feel close to loved ones
If you or someone you love checks several of the above-mentioned boxes, it is important to act now and find ways to cope before things could get worse. Some simple daily life measure might actually help:
- Physically: Eat three good meals a day. Make sure you got the nutrition you need. Limit your caffeine intake and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Stay physically active!
- Mentally: try to plan ahead, and accept that there is a pandemic. Set priorities, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to non-priority activities. Set realistic daily goals. Catch yourself if you fall into negative thoughts (“I always mess up”) and replace those thoughts by remembering times you have solved complex problems and been successful.
- Emotionally: This is important: If you do not feel well, reach out to those people you trust! Talking to your family, doctor or faith leader can be extremely helpful.
However, with COVID 19, external factors can just pile up and cause more and more stress, even if you do all the above mentioned things. If stress is preventing you or a loved one from performing daily tasks, a counselor or therapist often is the best solution. We have listed some resources below.
If you don’t know how to find one, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) (you don’t have to be suicidal or harm yourself to call), or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat.
Therapists and Lifeline are always confidential, and can be great help and can save a life. You do not have to be in crisis to be connected to a trained counselor in your area and can talk with them to find services.
Those information were provided by Anna Scheyett, PhD, MSW, amscheye@uga.edu
Important Resources:
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- Risk and Resilience: North Carolina farmers have faced significant stress in recent years, and COVID-19 has made matters worse. What is NC State doing to help turn the tide? And why should we all care?
- University of Maryland Extension: Managing farm stress
- American Farm Bureau Federation Rural Resilience initiative
- Iowa State University Farm Stress Management resources
- Michigan State University Extension Managing Stress on the Farm
- North Dakota State University Extension Farm and Ranch Stress initiative
- University of Georgia Rural Georgia Growing Stronger initiative
- Farming presents many challenges and so often, these challenges are out of a farmer’s control. Learn more about RAFI-USA’s Farmer Hotline. The Hotline can be reached at 866-586-6746, and is staffed Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m EST.
Last update: 11/25/2020, prepared by
Emma Volk, Rania Hassan, Xiaonan Shi, Amanda Lay and Mark Hoffmann