Government and Policy Concerns for Specialty Crop Agriculture
Apr 27, 2020, Updated May 21, 2021
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More About Government & Policy Concerns for Specialty Crop Agriculture
It is always important to understand the policies surrounding our food sources, especially specialty crop agriculture. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Guenther. He is Senior Vice President of Public Policy at United Fresh Produce Association. At the time of this interview, UFPA was in the process of facilitating the Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program. The official announcement came last Tuesday. You can learn more from my recent interview with Mollie Van Lieu – watch here.
Robert and I dig into government and policy concerns around specialty crop agriculture. Topics range from funding to how to accommodate social distancing rules while working as an essential business within the United States. Thank you, Robert, for your time!
“There are no clinically confirmed cases of COVID-19 linked to the consumption of fresh produce or food sold through traditional retail outlets. As consumers select their produce, adhering to food safety guidance is critical. We encourage consumers to wash their hands, and wash and prepare their produce following FDA recommendations.”
More About the “Buy Fresh” Program
A message sent out from United Fresh last week explains more about the “Buy Fresh” program. It is a part of the Farm Assistance program. The “Buy Fresh” program will purchase $100 million per month, for six months, in fresh produce from regional and local distributors whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities.
This unprecedented program that will utilize the fresh produce supply chain, from growers to distributors, to deliver consumer-ready fresh produce boxes to organizations serving the rising number of families in need.
You can also learn more directly from the USDA website.
About United Fresh
As United Fresh continues to follow the state of coronavirus, and specifically COVID-19, they have created industry and consumer resource pages to help address commonly asked questions.
During these extraordinary times, the fresh produce industry remains committed to keeping fresh produce moving to millions of consumers across the United States and around the world. The fresh produce industry is truly an essential part of the public health infrastructure and remains committed to continuing to grow and bring food to consumers.
The Produce Moms’ Covid-19 Interview Series:
- Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program Empowers Fresh Produce
- The Importance of Fresh Produce in Animal Nutrition
- Understanding Farmworkers and H-2A in the United States
- How to Wash Your Produce with Dr. Max Teplitski
- The Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables on Mental & Physical Health
- The State of Foodservice Amidst COVID-19
- Covid-19 and Produce Safety
