Farmers Markets Respond to COVID-19 — Daily Updates and Announcements
Posted On: March 9, 2020
This post was originally published on March 9, 2020 and is updated as new information becomes available.
As concerns about the spread of COVID-19 grow, farmers market operators are wondering how best to respond. Markets are grappling with their role as public gatherings that are vital to food access for consumers and the livelihoods of farmers. Farmers Market Coalition will be regularly updating this page with news announcements and updates as the situation continues to unfold. Visit our compiled Best Practices, Examples, and Resources page for tips for your market operations.
Updates:
Q2 2021
CDC Updates:
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated: How to Protect Yourself and Others
What You Need to Know:
- If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
- When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity.
- Outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities, and fully vaccinated people can participate in some indoor events safely, without much risk.
- If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine.
Q1 2021 During the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers markets across the country have had questions about how to ensure the health and safety of market vendors and customers by requiring the use of masks at markets. In general, markets have a duty to take reasonable steps necessary to protect the health and safety of market participants. Having a mask policy can help markets mitigate public health risks. However, markets must respect the rights of individuals who are not able to wear a mask due to a disability. Markets can protect themselves from legal risks by assessing their ability to provide reasonable modifications and keeping thorough records of ADA requests. Month of December What Rules Can A Market Make Regarding Speech? Many farmers markets have questions about free speech at markets, and in particular, what types of restrictions market rules can place on activities such as leafleting, political campaigning, or protesting. These activities can interfere with the operation of the market. Are farmers markets obligated to allow these types of activities as exercises of free speech under the First Amendment? Washington State Department of Health: COVID-19 Guidelines for Farmers Markets *Interim notice* On November 16, Governor Inslee issued proclamation 20-25.8 “Stay Safe, Stay Healthy” statewide restrictions to help slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 cases in our state. Unless extended, the restrictions will be in place until December 14, 2020. There is no restriction on the type of vendors that may sell at the market during this time. Operating during a pandemic is not business as usual. The market season may be dynamic and subject to change. Prior to making major changes, communicate with your local health department for county specific requirements or restrictions. Month of October COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings Potential considerations for operators of indoor markets: Month of September Farmers market managers should consider the recommendations below to help ensure safe access to food while helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to food security in the United States. Access to healthy food options and nutrition are an important part of overall physical and mental health. Across the United States, farmers markets have been named an essential service because of their role in supporting local farms and providing communities access to fresh, healthy food during the pandemic. Outdoor farmers markets provide a lower risk shopping option with immediate and lasting benefits for shoppers and the community at-large. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations that organizations must follow. Farmers market managers should collaborate with state and local health officials to determine whether to implement these considerations as-is or tailor them to their community’s needs. Farmers market managers should continue monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in the community they serve and have a plan in place to adjust their operations as needed. Farmers market managers may also benefit from reviewing CDC’s COVID-19 guidance and considerations on community based organizations, workplaces, events and gatherings, and food service providers. Farmers market managers should consider CDC’s information on people at higher risk of severe illness. Back in April, when we were all just beginning to figure out what hit us, Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) sent out a survey to market operators to begin to gauge the impact of the pandemic on the farmers market sector. Through those responses and other information that market leaders have been sharing, FMC has been getting a sense of the complexity and diversity of COVID-19 impacts. That information has influenced their technical assistance program and advocacy on behalf of markets since the spring. Now, over six months into the crisis, they are reaching out again to get a big picture sense of how farmers markets across the country are faring economically. If you are a market operator with a market that was operational anytime in 2020, please take 10 minutes to complete this questionnaire. The response data from this survey will inform FMC’s future work and services, and will be shared with USDA agencies as well as national food systems networks and supporters. No individual organizational or market-level data will be made public and any state-level data will only be shared if enough responses from that area allow individual data to be kept anonymous. The more information that can be collected from the farmers market sector, the more we can all amplify the voices, needs, and challenges of farmers market operators. Survey will be open till the end of October. Share the Impacts on Your Market The majority of farmers selling local foods have suffered severe market disruptions due to COVID-19. U.S. Representative Alma Adams (NC-12) introduced the Local and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act (HR 8096) in the House of Representatives. The bill is a comprehensive approach to help small and mid-scale farms, farmers markets, and local food businesses cope with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Local and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act would: Time is running out to get this proposal included in the COVID-19 stimulus package being negotiated in Congress right now. Your voice can make a critical difference and help keep local farms in business. Call your two U.S. senators and urge them to support local food in the next COVID-19 stimulus bill by introducing a Senate version of the Local and Regional Farms and Markets Support Act. Find your senators: www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Here is a script you may use (adapt as you like): “Hello, my name is _________ and I am a constituent and a voter (tell them if you’re a farmer!). I’m calling to urge you to support small and mid-scale local farms in the next COVID-19 relief package. Three out of four small farms are losing significant income because restaurant, farmers market, and agritourism sales have shrunk due to the pandemic. Many local farms in our community will be out of business by the end of the year if they don’t get targeted relief in the next COVID-19 stimulus bill. Current USDA programs pay local farmers just pennies per pound on the crops they produce, which doesn’t come close to the losses local farms are suffering. The Local and Regional Farms and Markets Support Act has been introduced in the House of Representatives as House Bill 8096. Please introduce a Senate companion to House Bill 8096 so our local farms can receive the support that meets their needs in the next COVID-19 stimulus bill. Thank you for your time.” If your call is routed to an answering machine, please leave a message. It will make a difference! Month of August Month of July USDA Approves Arkansas, Hawaii, and North Dakota to Accept SNAP Benefits Online SNAP online purchasing is currently operational in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USDA previously announced Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Utah would also be implementing online purchasing in the near future. DUCKWORTH, DURBIN INTRODUCE BILL TO IMPLEMENT AND EXPAND ONLINE SNAP PURCHASING NATIONWIDE The Expanding SNAP Options Act would address hunger needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond by doing the following: Week of June 28th Week of June 21st New Mexico COVID-19 Local Food Supply Chain Response Fund (2nd Round) The New Mexico COVID-19 Local Food Supply Chain Response Fund (the Fund) has been designed to provide funding to address gaps in and disruptions to the local food supply chain in New Mexico. It is being supported by a number of foundations and is housed at the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association. The purpose of the Fund is to provide resources to farmers, CSAs, food hubs, food distribution groups, and others in the local food supply/ value chain in response to production and market disruptions brought on by COVID-19. The Fund will consider project applications from anywhere within the state of New Mexico. Tribal organizations and those that serve underserved communities are especially encouraged to apply. Application can be accessed here. Deadline is Sunday, June 28 at midnight. USDA Approves Kansas to Accept SNAP Benefits Online SNAP online purchasing is currently operational in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USDA previously announced Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah would also be implementing online purchasing in the near future. Week of June 14th CDC has developed additional guidance to help audiences make more informed decisions about daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic: USDA Approves South Carolina and Utah to Accept SNAP Benefits Online SNAP online purchasing is currently operational in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USDA previously announced Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and South Dakota would also be implementing online purchasing in the near future. Week of June 7th USDA Approves Delaware & Mississippi to Accept SNAP Benefits Online SNAP online purchasing is currently operational in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USDA previously announced New Hampshire and South Dakota would also be implementing online purchasing in the near future. Week of May 31st USDA Approves New Hampshire and South Dakota to Accept SNAP Benefits Online SNAP online purchasing is currently operational in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. USDA previously announced New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Wyoming would also be implementing online purchasing in the near future. FNS: Farmers’ Markets can operate from alternate locations From: Hambrick, Mark (Marcus) – FNS <mark.hambrick@usda.gov> As a result of the COVID national emergency, from now until October 31, 2020, Farmers’ Markets can operate from alternate locations; this option helps Markets enable their adherence to local guidance regarding capacity. A Farmers’ Market can operate from an alternate location after leaving a voice mail for FNS at 312-353-6609 and providing the Market’s: FNS will note the interim change and will only contact the Market, if necessary. This option remains in effect through October 31, 2020. In October 2020, FNS will revisit the continued impacts of the COVID national emergency. Week of May 17th USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers USDA is developing application guides for lenders and borrowers on the B&I CARES Act Program. The Agency also will host *two webinars* to provide an overview of program requirements. Delaware Protocols for Opening Delaware Farmers’ Market (Under COVID‐19) – May 2020 – Created by the Delaware Farmers’ Market Coalition and the Delaware Department of Agriculture Beginning May 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap. Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020. Week of May 10th FMNP/SFMNP Questions and Answers on Program Flexibilities SFMNP Memo/Q&A: Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Administrative Flexibilities during a Pandemic and accompanying Questions and Answers Governor Northam’s Executive Order Number 61: “Effective 12:00 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2020, farmers markets may reopen (for on-site-shopping), provided such businesses comply with the Guidelines for All Business Sectors and the sector-specific guidelines for farmers markets incorporated by reference herein.” USDA Approves Wyoming and Wisconsin to Accept SNAP Benefits Online SNAP online purchasing is currently operational in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, and Washington State. USDA previously announced the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Missouri, Texas, Vermont, Minnesota, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin would also be implementing online purchasing in the near future. Week of May 3rd USDA USDA Approves Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Rhode Island to Accept SNAP Benefits Online WASHINGTON, D.C., May 4, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary announced that agricultural producers, for the first time, are now eligible for the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. For more information, please visit: www.sba.gov/disaster. Pennsylvania May 1 Update USDA Approves Minnesota to Accept SNAP Benefits Online April 29 Update Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issues Public Health Proclamation allowing re-opening of farmers markets. In a proclamation that continues the state public health emergency declaration, farmers’ markets are not included as mass gatherings. However, the proclamation states that only vendors that sell food or farm products will be allowed, and vendor booths will have to be at least six feet apart. April 27 Update Vermont AGENCY PROVIDES GUIDANCE FOR REOPENING OF FARMERS MARKETS MAY 1 We are excited to announce that farmers markets will be able to re-open on May 1, following guidance from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development: Vermont Added to SNAP Online Pilot Program The SNAP online pilot is currently operational in Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, and Washington State. USDA previously announced Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, North Carolina, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, Missouri, and Texas would also be joining. With these 16 states, more than half of all households receiving SNAP will have access to online purchasing. April 24 Update Colorado Farmers’ Markets Are Ready to Serve Contact: Wendy White, 303-869-9174, wendy.white@state.co.us There are more than 100 farmers’ markets across Colorado, with many opening in May and most operational by June. A list of markets across the state, along with a map of locations is available at coloradoproud.org. According to the Colorado Farmers Market Association (CFMA), visitors should check market websites and social media pages to find any changes in operations. Customers can expect many markets to continue operating, with new guidelines in place for social distancing. Some markets are implementing online ordering platforms to allow for ordering ahead and curbside pickup. April 23 Update Funding Opportunity – Innovation Fund Mini-Grants for Rapid Response to COVID-19 Crisis The Nutrition Incentive Hub is pleased to make available 25 to 50 mini-grants of up to $10,000 each for current or past USDA GusNIP and FINI grantees (and their partners) to innovate, build capacity, and address specific programmatic and operational challenges to their SNAP incentive and produce prescription (PPR) programs posed by the COVID-19 crisis. These grants are administered by Fair Food Network in partnership with Farmers Market Coalition, Ecology Center, Michigan Farmers Market Association, and National Grocers Association Foundation. We recognize the many constraints on GusNIP and FINI grantees (and their partners) during this time and have developed what we hope is a short application with quick turnaround and light reporting requirements. We invite interested entities to apply by May 5, 2020 using this application form. Questions? Please email TA@ April 22 update USDA Increases Monthly SNAP Benefits by 40% “…emergency benefit increases have reached $2.0 billion per month for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households across all 50 states and 3 territories to increase food security during the coronavirus national emergency. These emergency benefits represent a 40% increase in overall monthly SNAP benefits…” SNAP COVID-19 Emergency Allotments Guidance New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association Announces Local Food Supply Chain Response Fund The New Mexico COVID-19 Local Food Supply Chain Response Fund (The Fund) has been designed to provide funding to address gaps in and disruptions to the local food supply chain in New Mexico and is housed at the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association. There are two types of project funding available through The Fund: April 21 update Kentucky, Missouri, and Texas Added to SNAP Online Pilot Program USDA previously announced Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, North Carolina, the District of Columbia, and West Virginia would also be joining. With these 16 states, more than half of all households receiving SNAP will have access to online purchasing. April 20 update Perdue Announces $19 Billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program April 17 update DC and North Carolina Added to SNAP Online Pilot Program The SNAP online pilot is currently operational in Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, and Washington State. Nebraska joined the pilot on April 1, 2020. The authorized retailers working with all pilot states are Amazon and Walmart, while Wrights Market and ShopRite are working with Alabama and New York respectively. On April 8, it was announced that Arizona and California would be joining, and on April 11 announced Florida and Idaho. April 16 update Vermont GOVERNOR ZUCKERMAN WANTS NEW GUIDANCE TO REOPEN FARMERS MARKETS 13 APRIL 2020 The Office of the Lt. Governor has received a lot of contact from farmers and those who rely on local food who are concerned that farmers markets are not permitted to operate under current guidance. Today, Lt. Governor Zuckerman sent a letter to Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of Agriculture, asking for guidance that allows farmers markets to operate with proper protective protocols. “The CARES Act specifically includes ‘producers that supply local food systems, including farmers markets, restaurants, and schools’ among those eligible for the assistance,” the Senators wrote. “We write today to emphasize the high level of damages being experienced by local food producers and to provide comments on fair allocation of the CARES payments.” In addition to urging USDA to ensure relief is getting to local farmers, the Senators also pressed the department to administer direct payments through the Farm Service Agency in response to the local food industry’s projected $1.1 billion loss in revenue. They asked that in order to be eligible to receive a direct payment, local food producers should derive at least 25 percent of total farm income from sales that are locally purchased, including food sold directly to consumers. April 14 update SBA programs available through the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Borrower Application Form A detailed breakdown of these programs is forthcoming. Michigan MIFMA has issued revised guidelines for Farmers Markets based on Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-42 which extends stay-at-home orders through April 30, 2020 and “further clarifies which businesses and operations provide critical infrastructure and may remain in operation during this time, including which food and agriculture related functions are deemed critical. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development clarified on March 24, 2020 that workers in Michigan’s food and agriculture sector who support ‘retail that sells food and beverage products’ constitute ‘critical infrastructure workers.’” Arizona Governor Ducey deems farmers markets an essential service per Executive Order 2020-12. April 13 update Florida and Idaho Added to SNAP Online Pilot Program The SNAP online pilot is currently operational in Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, and Washington State. Nebraska joined the pilot on April 1, 2020. California and Arizona were announced on April 8, 2020. April 10 update Arizona and California Added to SNAP Online Pilot Program The SNAP online pilot is currently operational in Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, and Washington State. Nebraska joined the pilot on April 1, 2020. Maryland and New Jersey remain non‐operational pilot states. April 9 update CDC COVID-19 Updates District of Columbia “Wednesday, April 8, 2020 The Order states that no farmers’ market may operate unless issued a waiver. To obtain a waiver, a market manager must submit a plan to the District government at dcfoodpolicy@dc.gov to outline how they will operate and enforce social distancing protocols, and that plan must be approved.” April 7 update Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development April 6 update Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services: Guidance for Farmers Markets “All Farmers Markets in the City of Los Angeles must have an approved COVID-19 operational plan approved by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA), under public health orders from LA County, LA City and Mayor Garcetti’s March 30, 2020 directive.” April 2 update Press Release: Ohio Food and Farm Organizations Call on Leaders to Help Farmers, Farmers Markets, and Low Income Food Access. “Four organizations, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA), Produce Perks Midwest (PPM), the Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN), and the Ohio Food Policy Network (OFPN) are calling on Ohio’s leaders to implement six important policies that will help small and mid-size farmers, farmers markets, and families who rely on nutrition assistance to access affordable, healthy food.” March 29 update: State by state list of SNAP waivers: https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19/snap-waivers-flexibilities Fair Food Network COVID response: https://fairfoodnetwork.egnyte.com/dl/nimZHlnzax/ FNS Actions to Respond to COVID19: https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19 March 27 update: Vermont “…farmers markets are not permitted under the terms of the executive order that became effective on March 25th at 5:00 p.m. Please understand that the State is acutely aware that farmers markets are vital to communities throughout Vermont and incredibly important to farmers. We wish they could remain open during this public health crisis, but the risk of community infection at our popular farmers markets is too high.” “While farmers markets are temporarily closed during this emergency, farmers can and should continue selling food to consumers. Farms are critically important and agriculture continues. Indeed, farmers’ contributions are even more obviously necessary in this time of need. Telephone or online food sales, curbside pickup, and delivery are all welcome. Indeed, CSAs are listed as a critical service. The goal is to continue supplying locally-grown food while preventing person-to-person contact and community gatherings that may facilitate the virus’s rapid spread.” Alissa Matthews Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets https://agriculture.vermont.gov/covid-19-information March 26 update: MIFMA has released several resources to address questions and provide guidance to its markets during this heightened response period. Please visit http://mifma.org/covid-19-resources/ March 24 Update: Small Business Resources: State Announcements: “The essential businesses and operations specifically listed grocery stores, pharmacies, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of groceries.” “Sir, the attached information was issued by the Governor’s office in conjunction with the Stay at Home order. If you review the attachment titled “Essential Infrastructure fact sheet,” you will see that businesses involved in food production, distribution, and sale fall under the category of “Essential Infrastructure.” As such, those businesses will be allowed to operate so long as they comply with the requirements involving sanitation and social distancing.” March 23 Update: Homeland Security Recognizes Agriculture as Critical Industry “Sir, the attached information was issued by the Governor’s office in conjunction with the Stay at Home order. If you review the attachment titled “Essential Infrastructure fact sheet,” you will see that businesses involved in food production, distribution, and sale fall under the category of “Essential Infrastructure.” As such, those businesses will be allowed to operate so long as they comply with the requirements involving sanitation and social distancing.” Essential Infrastructure_fact sheet Massachusetts: Oregon Public Broadcasting interview on Oregon farmers markets staying open March 20 Update: The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health have identified farmers markets as an essential service on their ca.gov COVID-19 Response page – https://covid19.ca.gov/stay- Columbia, MO exempted Columbia Farmers Market from the 50+ person gathering ban. Georgia’s Relief Fund for Farmers Kentucky: Kentucky Farmers Markets have just been exempted from closure of all “public facing businesses that encourage congregation” by the Kentucky Department of Public Health. The Ag Commissioner just released a letter of support for Farmers Markets to remain open and the KDA farmers market program has posted suggestions for safe operation of farmers markets. Miami Dade County identified farmers markets as an “essential retail and commercial business” – https://www.miamidade.gov/ North Carolina: In NC, Farmers Markets fall under the same classification as grocery stores and are considered an important source of food for local communities. Farmers Markets who choose to operate during the COVID-19 outbreak are required to follow the same federal or state-mandated directives as grocery stores on issues such as social distancing or crowd size (if indoor). In addition, restaurants located at farmers markets are also subject to Executive Order No. 118. Additional guidance regarding executive order 118 and the Secretary’s abatement order will be issued shortly. Oregon: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORODA/bulletins/281f94a TX: Travis County Commissioners (Austin, Texas) exempted farmers’ markets from required closures. March 19 Update: March 17 Update: March 16 Update March 14 Update: As efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 expand, farmers markets are receiving inconsistent guidance from state and local health departments. In a number of states, officials have issued guidance that farmers markets are not included on bans of public gatherings, while in others, farmers markets have had their permits pulled by local health officials. Here at the Farmers Market Coalition it is our position that farmers markets are necessary for for livelihood of tens of thousands of farmers and for food access for millions of consumers. Farmers markets should be addressed in the same manner as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential public services as decisions are made regarding containment protocols. We applaud the states who have issued clear guidance to farmers market operators, such as the below statement from the Maryland Department of Agriculture: In light of Governor Larry Hogan’s recent actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is directing farmers markets to make their own decisions on whether to remain open or suspend activity on a case-by-case basis. MDA understands that farmers markets are an important source of nutrition for many Marylanders, including those located in food deserts and individuals relying on SNAP benefits. If your market is planning to remain open, we urge you to provide ample access to hand sanitizer/hand washing stations and have a plan in place to promote social distancing among patrons and vendors. In states where such statements have not been issued, we urge markets to seek such clarification from elected officials. For example, in California where many farmers markets have had their permits revoked, the California Alliance of Farmers markets is seeking signatures on a letter urging the State to equate farmers markets with grocery stores and other necessary outlets. To support our member markets we have added to our talking points and example statements below in order to assist markets as they make the case to the public and health department officials.Q1 2021
Month of December
Month of November
Month of October
Month of September
CDC Publishes New Considerations for Outdoor Farmers Markets
CALL TO ACTION: Local Farms Need COVID-19 Relief
Month of August
Month of July
Month of June
Month of May
Month of April
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) and Emergency EIDL Advance Application
(Washington, DC) – Today, to protect the District’s food supply chain and the District’s frontline food workers during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-058.Month of March
Ag Market Development Specialist
“Please note that this closure does not include Minnesota Farmers’ Markets. Communication from Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, Thom Petersen, has confirmed from Governor attorneys that farmers’ markets are exempt from this executive order, provided they do not offer onsite consumption.”
“For the purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses” means:
i. Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
ii. Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry…”
News Articles + Blog Posts:
Toward Market Cities: Strengthening Public Market Systems in Three North American Cities – Project for Public Spaces ‘There Was No Quit’: Vt. Farmers Markets Learn To Adjust During COVID Summer – Howard Weiss-Tisman, Vermont Public Radio A Drive-Thru Farmers Market: an Interview with Tamara Cameron of Boise Farmers Market – Liza Burns, Local Food Marketplace The Corona Diaries: The Drive-Through Market – Cathy Sloss Jones, B-Metro: The Magazine of Metro Birmingham Living Farmers Markets and Wicked Opportunities – Dr. Alfonso Morales, Union of Concerned Scientists Blog Assisting Market Managers in the Time of COVID-19 – Shelby Watson-Hampton, Lancaster Farming Chicago’s farmers markets start to reopen with new safety protocols, beginning in neighborhoods with less access to food – Chicago Tribune “Op-ed: We Must Save Farmers’ Markets” – Civil Eats “Farmers markets fought to stay open during the pandemic. Now many can’t make ends meet.” – Fern’s AG Insider “Your guide to Pittsburgh area farmers’ markets” – What’s NEXT for pittsburgh? “COVID: What Can Government Officials Learn from Farmers Market Managers?” – Farm 2 Facts “Differentiate or die: reconstructing market(place) economies” – Journal of the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society “How We Did This: Bow Market’s On-the-Fly Innovation During Covid-19” – edibleBOSTON “Farmers markets thrive during California stay-at-home order” – KCRA “Farmers markets may be your safest bet for food shopping during the coronavirus pandemic” – WHYY “Washington farmers markets are reopening, but won’t look the same” – Crosscut “Asheville farmers market follows strict guidelines, honor system amid COVID-19 outbreak” – WLOS “Fund Our Farmers So They Continue to Feed Us” – NRDC “The Local Food Revolution Goes Online—for Now” – Civil Eats “ON-FARM COVID-19 FOOD SAFETY INFO & FAQS” – Community Alliance with Family Farmers “Farmers markets are vital during COVID-19, but they need more support” – Brookings Institution “Why Outdoor Farmers’ Markets Matter More Than Ever” – The New York Times “Farmers markets changing structure, seeing record sales during pandemic” – Capital Press “Farm to Quarantine? What coronavirus means for Seattle Farmers Markets” – The Daily “COVID-19 creates new challenges for local growers and farmers markets” – Berkeleyside NOSH December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
States Allowing Markets to Remain Open:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona*
- California*
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii*
- Idaho*
- Illinois*
- Indiana*
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina*
- Ohio*
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee*
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
*state may require markets to be “certified”
