COVID 19 Resources
Agricultural Support Organizations
USDA: https://www.usda.gov/ USDA (Farm Service Agency): https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ NYS Ag and Markets: https://agriculture.ny.gov/ Empire State Development: https://esd.ny.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus UpdatesEvents are changing rapidly with the coronavirus. Some of the information presented in this newsletter is subject to change. For up-to-date developments at the federal level, check the CDC website frequently.
Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development Resources
Interim Guidance for Horticulture and Nursery Operations, from NYS Ag & Markets The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets on March 24, 2020 released the following PDF "Interim Guidance for Horticulture,".
Ideas on how to take care of yourself, your farm, and your local community. These resources offer support on the various aspects of farming during a crisis, with a focus on the current COVID-19 pandemic. The content was curated in partnership with educators, researchers and others. It is consistently updated as new information and resources are available.
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/farm-resilience/
Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance for Antimicrobial ProductsEPA has activated its Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance for Antimicrobial Products in order to enable the use of certain EPA-registered disinfectant products against COVID-19.
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/emerging-viral-pathogen-guidance-antimicrobial-pesticides
Employment and Agricultural Workforce QuestionsThe Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development team has assembled many resources to help you protect your workforce, your business, and your markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find H2A updates and more!
http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
Farm Stress ManagementResources for managing and warning signs of stress during these uncertain times. Stress Management in Unprecedented Times Managing Financial Stress on the Farm
https://www.nyfarmnet.org/farm-stress
Farmers' Market Federation of New YorkProvides helpful information as NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets as this continues to develop.
https://www.facebook.com/FMFNY/
Food Production, Processing and Safety QuestionsFind answers to questions around the risks associated with food production and to your employees to ensure that a safe and robust food supply is maintained for the public. You can find useful links to expert resources to help address your specific questions. Resources are updated frequently as the situation changes and new information becomes available.
https://instituteforfoodsafety.cornell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19/
FDA's Food and Cosmetics Information CenterGet help with Food, Dietary Supplements, and Cosmetics questions.
FDA Food Safety and Coronavirus Questions & Answers.Contains resources available to industry members and consumers on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and food safety.
General Questions and Updates: NY Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)Find the latest updates on coronavirus impacts in New York. This website is a one-stop source for links to resources for ag, workforce, food industry, food safety, dairy industry, horticulture, H-2A, family, animal care, business relief, and social distancing.
Guidance for IndustryTemporary Policy Regarding Preventive Controls and FSVP Food Supplier Verification Onsite Audit Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
Labor ConcernsCornell Agricultural Workforce Development: https://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/ NY Farm Bureau: https://www.nyfb.org/ NY Department of Labor: https://www.labor.ny.gov/home/
Mental Health & Health ResourcesNY FarmNet: https://www.nyfarmnet.org/ NY FarmNet Hotline : 1-800-547-3276 (24 hr service) New York State Department of Health: https://www.health.ny.gov/ New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH): https://www.nycamh.org/ Farm Partners (part of Bassett Health Care system and NYCAMH): 1-800-343-7527 NYS Agricultural Mediation Program: https://www.nysamp.com/ Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (OSHA): https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3989.pdf Center for Disease Control COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
New York State Department of Heath Novel CoronavirusFor the latest news at the New York State level, including Governor Cuomo's most recent executive actions for citizens, employees, and employers, check the New York State Department of Health Coronavirus website frequently.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Protecting Yourself & Loved Ones Financially from COVID-19The Consumer Financial Protection Board has information ranging from what to do if you have trouble paying your bills, are facing income loss, or have a problem with a financial service.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/
Small Business Administration Economic Industry Disaster Loans:Eligible small businesses may now apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela Businesses can take advantage of free assistance offered by SBA's network of Resource Partners for help with preparing their loan applications. They may visit the link below assistance to find local help. The NYS Small Business Development Center network recommends submitting a request for assistance online at http://nyssbdc.org/appointment.html
https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance
Webinar on Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting in the COVID-19 EraThe webinar recording and presentation are now available on the PSA website from Monday's call titled "Setting the Record Straight on Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond". A special thanks to our speaker Dr. Ruth Petran, Senior Corporate Scientist - Food Safety and Public Health at Ecolab, for her informative presentation and helpful Q&A session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=749ryrVGwDI&feature=youtu.be
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blueberries
Cherries
Currants
Gooseberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries / Blackberries
Strawberries
Unusual Fruit
Upcoming Events
2026 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series
February 27, 2026 : Session 1 - The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability: Lessons Learned
The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability: Lessons from 2025 - The first meetup will be conducted live on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:30pm (PST)/1:30pm (EST). The webinar will last 90 minutes. The format will include brief presentations by two SPARC scientists, followed by a packer/grower panel of industry leaders across North America. The meetup will conclude with an open discussion in a very inclusive virtual format. Viewers are invited to share solutions, ask questions, and interact with scientists and panelists. The program is free of charge.
June 11, 2026 : Session 2
Details to follow.
June 18, 2026
Details to follow.
June 25, 2026 : Session 4
Details to follow.
Cornell Fruit Field Day
July 30, 2026
Geneva, NY
Join Cornell researchers in Geneva for Fruit Field Day, returning after 10 years, to tour research plots, learn from experts—including Dr. Terence Robinson with 40+ years in tree fruit research—and explore the latest orchard technologies and practices.