On Tuesday, June 9, Western Growers, United Fresh Produce Association and the American Frozen Food Institute held an industry stakeholder discussion to review COVID-19 guidance for produce operations.

Click here to access a recording of the call.

The three organizations have teamed up to develop COVID-19 guidance for the produce industry, which is a companion document to the recently-released guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

According to the CDC and DOL, agriculture work sites, shared worker housing, and shared worker transportation vehicles present unique challenges for preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19. Consistent application of specific preparation, prevention, and management measures can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Click here to access the CDC/DOL interim guidance for agriculture workers and employers.

Building off the CDC guidance, industry-created COVID-19 guidance provides useful advice and recommendations to help farm owners and operators prepare for seasonal operations including onboarding of seasonal workers, field and facility procedures, and shared/communal housing and transportation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Click here to access the industry guidance for fruit and vegetable farm operators and processors.

Western Growers will make additional, industry-specific educational opportunities available to members who still have questions about how to apply the COVID-19 guidance to their operations. More details will be announced soon.