Guide for Startup Businesses

Oregon Farmers Market Association 2020 Census Results

Oregon Farmers Market Association recently released results from its 2020 census of farmers markets in a webinar titled “What Happened at Oregon Farmers Markets in 2020.” This presentation holds interesting stats about sales, attendance, and vendor level trends. It also dives into subjects like how Oregon farmers markets responded to COVID-19, widespread wildfires, and calls for racial justice in their communities during 2020.

Click the image below to watch a recording of the webinar.

Access the full presenter slides here.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets: Farmers Market Guidance

The Agency of Agriculture recognizes the importance of farmers markets to our farmers, communities, heritage and culture.  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.

This guidance is intended to help farmers markets’ serve communities and provide direct access to
healthy, nutritious foods, while also supporting local farmers and food businesses.

District of Columbia: Mayor’s Order 2020-058

Mayor Bowser Issues Order Establishing Social Distancing Protocols for Food Sellers and Requirements for Farmers’ Markets to Operate During Public Health Emergency

SNAP: COVID-19 Waivers by State

On April 10, 2020, USDA issued a letter denying several types of waivers requested by state SNAP agencies that do not meet requirements for approval.  FNS is working to add those requests to the individual state pages listed in the link below.

Alaska: COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR FARMERS MARKETS

We believe that farmers markets provide vital food access services to our community.

Under the Governor’s Health Mandates, Farmers Markets, like grocery stores and supermarkets, are considered “essential businesses.” To help market operators adapt to this rapidly changing economic and public health situation, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Alaska Farmers Market Association have compiled information and recommendations from farmers markets, state associations, health departments and the Centers for Disease Control.

Essential Services: State Declaration vs. CISA Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce

Example of state declaration:  New York

“This guidance is issued by the New York State Department of Economic Development d/b/a Empire State Development (ESD) and applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business. With respect to business or entities that operate or provide both essential and non-essential services, supplies or support, only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the workforce reduction restrictions.”

Executive Order 202.6

Example of state deference to CISA guidance:  Georgia

“Critical infrastructure means a business, establishments, corporations, non-profit corporations, and organizations labeled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as ‘essential critical infrastructure workforce’ in guidance dated March 19, 2020 and revised on March 28, 2020… The operation of Critical Infrastructure shall not be impeded by county, municipal, or local ordinance.”

Executive Order

Guidance and FAQs for Statewide Shelter in Place Executive Order

Indiana Agriculture Information for Stay at Home Order

San Mateo County Shelter In Place Statement:

San Mateo County affirms that farmers markets are essential services even as it issues “shelter in place” statement:

Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association: Farmers’ Markets Exempt From Restaurant and Bar Closure