Q & A Session: Managing Field Crews during COVID-19:

What Actions Should Apple Growers Take? Tuesday, June 9, 12-1 PM

Mark Wiltberger

As New York "Reopens" business during the COVID-19 crisis, business owners are evaluating what actions they need to take to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers, and to help public officials contain the spread of COVID-19. 

Join a panel of experts for a Question and Answer lunchtime session on June 9th, 2020 at noon that will address common questions that apple growers and other producers have about managing their field crew.

Although these issues are a concern for apple growers across the state, the session is highly relevant to all farms with seasonal workers, and to storage, packing, and other food facilities. Dr. David Bell, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Orleans and Genesee Counties, and other expert panelists will answer questions, including:

• What actions are the most important for me to take right now as a business owner?
• When should my crew wear face coverings and what other preventative measures should they be taking?
• What happens if one of my crew members tests positive for COVID-19?
• What sleeping, residential, and employee housing considerations should I keep in mind?
• What actions should I consider taking now to prepare for Fall harvest?
• How do I make a NY Forward Business Safety Plan?
• What assistance or guidance should I expect from my local health department?

Participants are encouraged to register early and enter a question at the time of registration. Questions asked during the session will be addressed as time allows.

Panelists will include:

• Dr. David Bell, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
• Dr. Richard Stup, Cornell Extension Agricultural Workforce Development
• Dr. Elizabeth Bihn, Institute for Food Safety at Cornell
• Mark Wiltberger, Cornell Cooperative Extension Business Management Specialist, Lake Ontario Fruit Program

This Q & A session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday June 9th, from 12pm to 1pm. Register here: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vdT-4XF8SBGfoXBeTI41BA