Marin food suppliers taxed by pandemic’s demands [Marin Independent Journal]
From local farmers to grocers, Marin County’s food supply chain is feeling the strain caused by the new coronavirus pandemic and is trying to rapidly adapt to meet the growing demands. … The California Farm Bureau Federation announced Wednesday that it will be working with local, state and federal governments to assure ranchers and farms have the resources they need to maintain food supplies. “Through drought, freeze, world war and the trauma of 9/11, farmers and ranchers and people throughout the food chain have kept Americans supplied with safe, affordable food and farm products,” federation president Jamie Johansson said in a statement. “That same ethic will drive us in the days and weeks to come.”
https://www.marinij.com/2020/03/18/marin-food-suppliers-taxed-by-pandemics-demands/
Agriculture and coronavirus: No major disruption in San Joaquin Valley as of yet [Fresno Bee]
… Farming and food processing – hands-on industries in which workers cannot work remotely – have been deemed essential to the U.S. food supply chain during the coronavirus pandemic.
Early spring is one of the slower times of the year for central San Joaquin Valley farms, and thus far there seems to have been little disruption to the region’s agricultural industry, said Ryan Jacobsen, president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. … At Rollin Valley Farms near Riverdale in southern Fresno County, dairyman Donny Rollin said he’s seen no disruption, but he is concerned about operations if his labor force is affected by illness.
https://www.fresnobee.com/news/business/agriculture/article241310111.html
Local agriculture moving forward despite COVID-19 concerns [Chico Enterprise Record]
Despite the domino effect that’s been caused by COVID-19, the local agriculture industry remains steady according to officials. … Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau Colleen Cecil also said she hasn’t seen too many negative impacts locally but her organization is monitoring the virus and staying in touch with other jurisdictions in the state. “This is really a day-by-day situation,” Cecil said. … One concern that has revolved around the industry is the workforce.
Will coronavirus affect food supply? First problem: A possible shortage of workers [Los Angeles Times]
California’s nearly $50-billion agricultural industry is bracing for a potential labor shortfall that could hinder efforts to maintain the nation’s fresh produce supply amid the widening coronavirus outbreak. … Amid uproar from the agriculture industry this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture pressed the State Department to continue processing H-2A visas even as it closed consulates across the border region. So far, State has responded by promising to waive in-person interview requirements for H-2A applicants who obtained visas last year.
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2020-03-18/coronavirus-agriculture-food-supply-visa
Ag workers exempted from COVID-19 shelter in place mandate, advocates fear for health [Salinas Californian]
Agricultural workers perform an essential service and will be exempted from Tuesday’s shelter in place mandate, but farmworker advocates fear the protections in place are not strong enough to protect field laborers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Growers and their advocates, however, say those fears are overblown. … Farm industry groups and Monterey County Ag officials say the Ag industry already was taking many precautions to keep food clean and workers healthy before the coronavirus swept the globe.
Coronavirus: Northern California wineries pivot, offering deep discounts, virtual tastings, free deliveries [Bay Area News Group]
… While the purchase and pick-up of wine at wineries is still allowed, business has slowed to a halt: Restaurant dining rooms are closed, events and sales trips have been canceled, and supplies may not arrive in time for spring bottling. The silver lining? There is plenty of wine for sale and ways to connect with your favorite producers. … Rhone producer Big Basin Vineyards, which has tasting rooms in Saratoga and Boulder Creek, is offering free shipping for six or more bottles and free delivery within 30 miles of either location when you buy at least three bottles.
