Coronavirus Food Aid Program (CFAP) Enrollment for Farmers
The United States Department of Agriculture announced details of the Coronavirus Food Aid Program (CFAP), a relief program for farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible livestock for the CFAP includes cattle, lambs, yearlings and hogs. Non-specialty commodities that are eligible include malting barley, canola, corn, upland cotton, millet, oats, soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers, durum wheat, and hard red spring wheat, as well as wool. Specialty crops included in the program are, but not limited to, almonds, beans, broccoli, sweet corn, lemons, iceberg lettuce, spinach, squash, strawberries and tomatoes.
Enrollment began at Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices on May 26, and will continue through August 28, 2020. Participants do not need to have participated in FSA administered programs in the past to enroll. Depending on the age or class of the animal, and total program participation, cattlemen can be eligible to receive between $26 and $214 per head. More details, including payment rates, can be found on this OSU Extension Fact Sheet, at https://www.farmers.gov/cfap or are available by contacting your local FSA office. Also, see the CFAP Payment Calculator Preview from USDA embedded below. Funding for the program is made available through the recently passed CARES Act which is an effort to provide relief to farmers who have seen markets impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
Ohio State offers tips for vendors, consumers when shopping at farmers markets amid COVID-19
At this year’s farmers markets, you’ll find Ohio farmers selling the fresh foods you’re used to buying. However, there won’t be any farm-fresh food samples to taste, and the music and children’s activities that typically accompany the markets will likely be canceled.
Ohio farmers markets, farm markets, and you-pick operations want you to know they are open, they’re taking precautions to keep consumers safe from COVID-19, and they’re fully stocked with locally grown and produced foods.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted growers, local farmers, and livestock producers, these groups are continuing to plant, harvest, and market foods directly to the public.
That’s allowing consumers to maintain access to locally produced fruits, vegetables, poultry, meats, and other food products during this growing season. However, there will be changes in how consumers interact with these farmers at farmers markets, farm markets, and you-pick operations. As a result, you’ll likely see some measures put into practice for everyone’s safety in response to the coronavirus pandemic, she said. For example, you may see vendors wearing masks and gloves, more hand sanitizing, and different people handling food and payment transactions at each stall. Busy markets may implement staggered entry, and you may notice the stalls at your local market are spread further apart, there is tape or chalk on the ground marking 6-foot distances, and/or there are separate operating hours for the vulnerable shopping population.
“These markets play a role in jump-starting our economy that’s been hard hit by COVID-19,” Inwood said. “They’re essential not only because they provide access to fresh, healthy, local foods, but they also support strong regional economies by connecting Ohio’s urban and rural economies and communities.
The CFAES Lean on Your Land Grant Task Force wants to keep these farmers markets and the rest of the Ohio food system operating, and we want to make sure that farmers, customers, and local decision-makers have up-to-date and accurate information. Farmers markets and roadside stands are great ways to meet the farmers who produce Ohio’s agricultural bounty, including meat, poultry, honey, eggs, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and more.”
Members of the task force have released resources including fact sheets, webinars on COVID-19’s effect on produce safety; reaching new markets; pivoting to new marketing platforms; navigating new government programs for small businesses; and guidance for farmers markets, produce auctions, and you-pick operations to practice good hygiene and social distancing while doing business.
The task force also provided guidance to help markets adjust their operating procedures to include social distancing; contactless order, payment, and pick-up of product; and training their employees to help keep them and their customers safe, To help keep farmers and consumers safe, decrease the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks, and ensure these markets can remain open for their full season, the task force also offers these recommendations for consumers:
• Wear a mask over your mouth and nose.
• Practice the recommended 6-foot social distancing from one another while at the market.
• Prioritize only essential food purchasing, and discontinue social gatherings at the markets.
• Send only one member from your household to the market, in order to curtail crowds.
• Do not touch any products; instead, allow the vendor to select and bag the products you wish to purchase.
• Follow the CDC recommendations, and clean your hands frequently.
• Discontinue the use of reusable bags and materials. Accept only new plastic bags from your farmers and food producers.
• Order directly from farmers and food producers for delivery or pickup, when possible.
• Follow more stringent vendor and market guidelines, as requested.
The ultimate goal is to help farm markets, farmers markets, and you-pick operations to continue to operate safely, which benefits both vendors and consumers. The money spent on locally produced foods remains in the communities where the foods are purchased. And many accept food assistance benefits to help those food-insecure Ohioans access fresh food. Another benefit is that these farmers markets and farm markets are less crowded than traditional grocery stores, and the food is usually fresher because it goes from the farm field to market to consumer.
Get ready to be Quarantined in Space this summer at the 4-H virtual camp!
Fairfield County 4-H Camp is going VIRTUAL! Register today through June 8 at 4:00pm for Virtual 4-H Camp, taking place June 15-26. This Virtual 4-H Camp is for any 4-H youth age 5 to age 18, as of January 1 of the current year. There is NO COST to attend! Camping activities will include nature, crafts, line dancing, songs, campfire, and more. Join us starting June 1st for Camp Spirit Week to get excited for summer camp and share your camp spirit.
Virtual camp will be an activity-based format this year that is accessible for all 4-H youth and their families. Campers have the option to participate in as many or as few activities as they wish. Campers will receive a camp t-shirt for completing their Space Log and will be eligible for other prizes based on involvement. Campers should be prepared to log onto Zoom on June 17 & 24 to check in with their camp group. A detailed schedule with times, program, and Zoom information will be sent to registered campers. We hope you will join us for #Virtual4HCamp as we are #QuarantinedInSpace!
OSU Extension In Fairfield County continues to telework
OSU Extension in Fairfield County is continuing to telework during much of the month of June. We can be reached via our phone at 740.653.5419. Your call will then be directed to the appropriate individual to assist with your plant/insect ID, home food preservation or 4-H question. We are here to help you, everyday, anyway we can!! Please check out our website for upcoming events and programs at https://fairfield.osu.edu.