COVID-19 Guidelines for Agricultural by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

In order to help fresh produce industry, the American University of Georgia Cooperative Extension set up some guidelines for agricultural operations.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through contaminated food but the food industry uses daily procedures that are effective in reducing the chances that the coronavirus will be exposed to food we eat. Farms and agricultural businesses should take considerations to protect their workers and customers during the current pandemic and other viral outbreaks.

Farms, food processors and packinghouses

Recommended distance of at least 6 feet between workers, including buses carrying groups of workers on the field and on the packaging line. Only one employee should also be in the truck cab. Steering wheel and door handles are often touching surfaces, so it should be cleaned and disinfected when passengers leave or enter a vehicle.

Often touched surfaces within the farm or facility should be disinfected and cleaned throughout the day and between shift changes.

Farmers markets, farm supply stores and U-pick operations

Rules, to be followed, should be posted at the entrance and include washing hands or using hand sanitizer if washing is not possible upon arrival. Required to wearing a mask, bandana or scarf and maintaining a distance of 6 feet between other customers.

Indoor markets may consider placing sellers or high-demand items outside so that visitors do not have to enter the building. As for the items inside, it is possible to consider placing a price list outside and ask an employee to retrieve items. Alternatively, to set limit on the amount of time each customer can stay inside to do business.

Paper money cannot be sanitized, so it is better to supersede by online or telephone transactions and to require credit or debit cards for in-person transactions when possible.

Customers must only touch fruit they plan to pick during U-pick operations. All baskets and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between customers.

Emergency resources page has further guidance, in English and Spanish, by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. It includes materials for farms, packinghouses, farmers markets, food banks, community gardens, consumers and agribusinesses.