In response to limited access to COVID-19 resources in many parts of rural America, Western Growers has organized a national coalition of more than 30 industry allies calling on Congress to provide additional assistance to growers in protecting their workforces.

The letter states that while “countless U.S. farms have adopted best practices including social distancing, enhanced hygiene, disinfection and sanitation procedures, COVID-19 worker training, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),” more support from Congress will be required to keep food on American tables while minimizing the risks of workplace virus transmission.

In particular, the letter calls out the need for access to additional testing for farmworkers, priority access to PPE and potential vaccines and/or treatments, and funding for quarantine and isolation housing for individuals who test positive for, or have been exposed to, COVID-19.

“The men and women who work on our farms are essential to the well-being of our entire nation,” the letter concludes. “We call on Congress to include vital resources for farmworker safety in the next COVID-19 relief package.”

Click here to read the full letter.