COVID-19 Resource Portal
Below are resources we’ve compiled from local, state, and federal organizations regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) and its impact on the agricultural community in Maryland. We will update it frequently as new information is released.
Read a statement from our Director regarding COVID-19.
Last update: January 26, 2021
Go to: CONSUMER RESOURCES | FARMER RESOURCES
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
1.25 Press Release from Maryland Department of Health: http://bit.ly/Phase1C
Southern Maryland Vaccine Registration Portals:
If you have any further questions, please review your local health department website for up to-date information specific to your county.
Where + How to Buy Local during COVID-19 Map
Farms, Farm Stands & Farmers’ Markets: If you’re not listed on this map and should be, please click here to fill out a quick form.
Mental Health Resources
The outbreak of COVID-19 can feel overwhelming for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease, especially a new virus, can be stressful. There are online resources to support you. Please reach out if you need help.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health from Maryland Department of Health
Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak from Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
Rural Response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention from the Rural Health Information Hub
Coronavirus: Guidance for Better Mental Health from Rehab 4 Addiction
University of Maryland Extension Update for Southern Maryland
For well over 100 years, University of Maryland Extension has fulfilled its mission of delivering science-based education to Maryland citizens and communities.
While our offices are closed again for the health and safety of our faculty and staff, we are always committed to meeting the needs our clientele and stakeholders to ensure that you have the information you need to protect your families, farms, and communities.
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- Call or email us: We continue to answer questions and conduct field research to deliver the resources you need.
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- Field visits: If needed and following social distancing protocol, we continue to conduct on-site field visits for diagnosis of production issues.
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- Access University of Maryland Extension Online Resources at:https://extension.umd.edu.
We are here to help you. Contact any of your Southern Maryland Agents:
Alan Leslie 301-542-7612 aleslie@umd.edu https://extension.umd.edu/charles-county
Ben Beale 301-481-7209 bbeale@umd.edu https://extension.umd.edu/st-marys-county
Dave Myers 410-980-1768 myersrd@umd.edu https://extension.umd.edu/anne-arundel-county
Find the Right COVID-19 Support Resources for Your Business
The Maryland Business Relief Wizard is a tool that helps connect businesses with the resources and programming for which they’re eligible, streamlining the process of finding support.
Maryland Farm Bureau COVID-19 Resources
Maryland Farm Bureau has compiled a list of resources and press clips. Please visit here.
American Farm Bureau also has information on the impact of COVID-19 on agriculture.
University of Maryland Extension COVID-19 Resources for Health & Wellness
A list of national, state, and local resources covering finances, food safety, and more. Please visit here.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources FAQs
Given the announcement of the governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the state has now expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation in the state and on Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties.
Grow & Fortify’s Resource Hub for Value-Added Agriculture
G&F understand that the health of Maryland’s value-added agriculture, craft manufacturing and tourism industries, their businesses and customers are of top concern to our clients and members. Here are some helpful resources to consider related to your business.
COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America.
Resources For Consumers
Agriculture Education for Kids
Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF)
MAEF will be showcasing lessons, videos, and activities to do with your kids to keep their minds engaged. Learn more here.
Maryland Farm & Harvest Episodes
To help increase the public’s understanding of Maryland agriculture, Maryland Public Television (MPT) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is producing Maryland Farm & Harvest, a new series that will put a human face on farming, educate viewers about agriculture, and tell the stories of the industry that built this nation and continues to feed the world. Watch now here.
Virtual Farm Tours – Farm Food 360
Explore Canadian farms in 360 degrees. Check it out here.
Child Nutrition, WIC, and SNAP Programs
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Actions to Respond to COVID-19
USDA intends to use all available program flexibilities and contingencies to serve program participants across their 15 nutrition programs. They have already begun to issue waivers to ease program operations and protect the health of participants. Learn more here.
General Health and Wellness
Food Safety, Nutrition, and Wellness during COVID-19
As we navigate these unprecedented times, many are wondering how to safely shop, order, and prepare food to minimize transmission of the novel coronavirus. Harvard’s School of Public Health provides practical tips on health and wellness during the pandemic.
Unemployment Information
How to Apply for Maryland Unemployment Insurance
The Division of Unemployment Insurance’s website and call centers are currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of users due to COVID-19. This may result in long wait times. Learn more about their updated process for filing claims.
Resources For Farmers & Agribusiness
* Industry-Specific Resources *
Maryland Pick-Your-Own Operations during COVID-19 State of Emergency
Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Department of Agriculture released FAQs, guidelines, and additional resources specifically for Pick Your Own Operations. Learn more here.
MARBIDCO’s Pandemic Recovery Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund
The Pandemic Recovery Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to help Maryland’s agri-businesses recover from the Covid-19 Pandemic that may not otherwise be able to obtain commercial financing for working capital and equipment purchases from traditional commercial lenders.
This program makes available low-cost loans to qualified applicants for working capital and equipment purchases. The aim of this program is to help rural businesses to innovate, diversify, and exploit emerging market opportunities or make business adjustments related to the pandemic. Another objective of this program is to complement the financial services of another public sector lending agency by working jointly to fund a food or fiber production or processing project that involves one (or more) Maryland resource-based businesses.
Contracts, Labor, and Insurance – UMD’s Ag Law Education Initiative
Several blog posts and videos covering important topics such as contracts and insurance and the impacts of COVID-19.
Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Food Donation Tax Credit
Governor Hogan has called for further donations to the Maryland Food Bank during this time of crisis. Farmers who have excess products or seconds to donate, or gleaning opportunities, should contact the Maryland Food Bank.
Farmers who donate food to a charity that participates in the state’s Food Donation Pilot Program are eligible for up to $5,000 per year of tax credit through the Food Donation Pilot Program against State income taxes. Learn more in Maryland Department of Agriculture’s recent press release here.
COVID-19 Readiness Assessment for the Continuity of Farm Business
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture in collaboration with Penn State Extension created this open-source assessment for farmers to help you develop a continuity of business plan during the pandemic.
Completing the steps in this assessment will help you modify your operations to protect the health of everyone on your farm, as well as your customers, while having a backup plan for worst-case scenarios—such as you or your employees falling ill, suppliers shutting down, or markets closing.
Farmers, market managers, and related businesses are permitted to use, modify, and distribute this resource as needed.
USDA H-2A/H-2B Worker Information
USDA and Department of Labor have identified nearly 20,000 H-2A and H-2B certified positions that have expiring contracts in the coming weeks. There will be workers leaving these positions who could be available to transfer to a different employer’s labor certification. Learn more here.
Marketing Resources & Webinars
Future Harvest CASA’s Upcoming Webinars
Future Harvest is hosting a number of food safety webinars in Winter/Spring 2021. See the full list of events and register here.
MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture – Wednesday Webinars
Over 100 webinar recordings are available for free covering topics such as finances, human resources, legal, production, and marketing and social media. Watch them here.
Ohio State University Webinar – Options for Online Sales of Local Foods
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, producers are increasingly turning to online sales as an option for the 2021 growing season. Take advantage of this free webinar to learn how to continue to serve your customers through online sales. Several options will be shared to help you explore what platform might work for your farm. Learn more here.
Online Course from Alderspring Ranch – Start Selling Online & Shipping in Five Days
Free mini-course on shipping frozen product, specifically designed for farmers who would like to start direct delivering or shipping via online storefront. Learn about how to build an online store, where to buy shipping materials needed, and how to package your product to ship without damage. Start the course now.
Sustainable Food Lecture Series – College of Ag and Natural Resources, UMD
This carefully curated schedule of events is solely dedicated to topics related to sustainability and the role of agriculture in environmental, social, and economic issues, with a heavy emphasis on the food we consume in our everyday lives. This series is part of our strategic initiative, Establish a Healthy Food System and Ensure Global Food and Nutritional Security.
University of Maryland Extension – Changing Marketing Plans for COVID-19
Marketing strategies for farms and agribusiness by Ginger Myers. Download
COVID and Agritourism in Maryland by Ginger Myers. Learn more here.
Online Sales – Here to Stay. Learn more here.
Food Safety Information
FDA Briefing to Food Stakeholders
Recording of FDA briefing for food stakeholders to discuss food safety and food supply questions related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). FDA provided an overview of current activities, respond to stakeholders’ concerns identified in recent days, and highlight important FDA resources in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More
Food Safety Resources: FSMA & Other Updates
EAS Consulting Group is providing the following summary gathered from recent information releases and summaries from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding their operations during the continuing COVID-19 public health challenge. FDA, as part of their updates, does provide additional references, including questions and answers. Learn More
Future Harvest CASA’s Safety Protocol for Food Safety and Distribution
This document provides guidelines for: On-Farm Pickups & CSAs, Farmers Markets, and Employee Safety.
NC State Extension – Food Safety Infosheets
The following resources provide best practices for preparing for COVID-19 and managing risk for individuals at home and for food environments such as restaurants, grocery stores, food banks, gardens and farms. These resources are based on guidance and best practices as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO) and the best available science.
Read more at: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/covid-19-resources/
USDA Coronavirus Information Portal
Get the latests updates, information and guidance from USDA at usda.gov/coronavirus
General Business Resources
State of Maryland Interpretive Guidance for Essential/Non-Essential Designation
Below are links to the proclamations and orders issued by Governor Larry Hogan related to COVID-19, along with interpretive guidance from the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel. Get Guidance
Federal Guidelines for Essential/Non-Essential Designation
Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Certain critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations. This guidance and accompanying list are intended to support State, Local, and industry partners in identifying the critical infrastructure sectors and the essential workers needed to maintain the services and functions Americans depend on daily and need to be able to operate resiliently during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Get Guidance
Maryland State Resources for Business
Information, resources and guidance for Maryland business owners can be found at govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business. Please visit our FAQs for more information on disbursement.
Maryland Horse Industry Updates
Maryland Horse Industry Updates
From the Maryland Horse Industry, highlighted information addressing the most critical points relevant to the equine community and industry. Via Equiery
Maryland Horse Council COVID-19 Resources for the Horse Community
The Maryland Horse Council has compiled a list of federal and state resources specifically for the horse community, including grant and loan programs. Learn more here.
Horses for Courses! Free Farm-Based Education Curriculum
Looking for at-home lessons and activities? Download MHIB’s FREE “Horses for Courses: Farm-Based Education Curriculum”.
Families and stables are looking for activities and lessons while they are staying at home. We would like to offer our “Horse for Courses Curriculum” for everyone to use for lessons and fun!
If you have any questions please email: anne.litz@maryland.gov.
On-Farm Safety Recommendations
From the Maryland Farm Bureau
Farm businesses are responsible for setting up a plan for safety in their operations. We recommend posting your farm or business’ safety procedures so customers and the public can see them when arriving. There have been several violation complaints from patrons and community members who see or perceive unsafe actions. Please share the following safety recommendations with other farmers in your area.
U-Pick, CSA, Farmers Market, and On-Farm Safety Recommendations
- Wash your hands frequently
- Disinfect all hard surfaces on a regular basis
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Additional Tips to Consider Enforcing
- Customers should follow signage to the designated pick-up spot.
- Do not allow customers to touch anything other than their purchased items.
- Request advance payment or credit card if possible.
- No samplings or tastings allowed.
Employer Action Steps
- Talk with your employees about coronavirus, how it spreads, and how to prevent getting infected.
- Print the CDC factsheets and posters. Post them in your workplace and employee housing facilities.
- Provide guidance to help employees clean and disinfect employer-provided housing. Follow up with employees and manage the process to be sure that this happens. Set up a regular weekly and daily schedule for cleaning.
- CDC guidance for cleaning homes: https://www.cdc.gov/
coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/home/cleaning- disinfection.html
- CDC guidance for cleaning homes: https://www.cdc.gov/
- Clean and disinfect your workplace. The employee breakroom and bathroom are great places for the virus to be transmitted. Clean and disinfect any areas where employees congregate or routinely touch items such as doorknobs and computer keyboards. Set up daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
- Provide cleaning supplies such as cleaning solutions, buckets, mops, brushes, etc for cleaning at work and for those living in employer-provided housing.
- CDC list of approved antimicrobial cleaning products: https://www.epa.gov/
sites/production/files/2020- 03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_ 03-03-2020.pdf
- CDC list of approved antimicrobial cleaning products: https://www.epa.gov/
- Review your sick leave policy. The first advice for people who are sick is to stay home except to get medical care. Do you provide paid sick leave for your employees? If you do not, will employees feel financially obligated to come to work even if they are sick?
- Employee rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: https://mdfarmbureau.com/
wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non- Federal.pdf
- Employee rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: https://mdfarmbureau.com/
- Communicate with employees that they should stay home if they are sick. Employees sometimes come to work believing they will face punishment or firing if they miss work. Be sure your employees understand that their health and that of their co-workers’ comes first. Communicate and make a plan to cover for sick employees.
- Prepare your disaster contingency plan. What will you do if 50% of your employees become sick and unable to work? Are there neighboring farms who might be able to share resources in an emergency? Who will manage for a few weeks if you or another key manager are unable to leave your house or are hospitalized?
- Cornell provides the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) to provide community education resources across the entire disaster cycle of preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Penn State also provides farm disaster preparedness resources.
Small Business Relief Programs
Find the Right COVID-19 Support Resources for Your Business
The Maryland Business Relief Wizard is a tool that helps connect businesses with the resources and programming for which they’re eligible, streamlining the process of finding support.
Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund Programs for Businesses
Maryland has authorized $130 million in loan and grant funding for small businesses and manufacturers that have been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This emergency assistance provides interim relief and proceeds that can be used to pay cash operating expenses including payroll, suppliers, rent, fixed debt payments and other mission critical cash operating costs. If you are a Maryland-based business impacted by the Coronavirus with under 50 full- and part-time employees, or a Maryland manufacturer, check out the programs below to see if you qualify for assistance:
Unemployment Insurance Work Sharing Program – Work Sharing is a voluntary program that provides an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a temporary, non-cyclical decline in business due to lower economic activity. The program is designed to avoid layoffs by preserving jobs for trained workers.
Get the latest information on Maryland’s Business Emergency Relief Fund Programs at commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs.