Resources for COVID-19
Updated 7/2/2020. For questions or to share a resource, please contact mollie@ruralvermont.org.
To support businesses in their response and recovery, the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program is providing quick-response coaching to farm, food, and forest products businesses through its network of expert business advisors – free of cost.
In partnership with Farm First and the Vermont Agricultural Mediation Program, this initiative will also expand stress management, mental health, and mediation services to working lands businesses statewide.
The Peace and Justice Center has compiled a number of resources and community contacts across the state who are organizing local mutual aid efforts. Find an opportunity near you, or start one up!
NOFA-VT is offering payment to experienced milkers to help step in when farmers get sick. This relief is available to ALL dairy farmers and farm workers. Email bill@nofavt.org to learn more.
Support NOFA’s COVID-19 relief work by donating to the Farmer Emergency Fund.
Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Producers Relating to COVID-19 from UVM Extension
Resources for Community Health Workers on COVID-19. A compilation of a number of valuable local resources from clinical herbalist Larken Bunce.
Farm Commons has developed a podcast series about COVID-19’s impacts on farm businesses, primarily discussing legal considerations for farmers through this pandemic.
VOF has reviewed the List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 and has highlighted products allowed for use in organic production
The Agency of Agriculture is updating the most recent information and guidance from the Vermont Department of Health. This can be found on the COVID-19 Information for Agriculture and Food Businesses page.
Growing Farmers has compiled a resource sheet, You, COVID19, and Your Farm Business to assist with online sales and communications for farmers.
The Intervale Food Hub is an excellent example of how growers can join forces to implement an online ordering platform, offering a home delivery option on orders of $25 or more.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is available to answer questions or receive suggestions regarding the COVID-19 response. You can contact the Secretary of Ag, Food and Markets Anson Tebbetts at agr.covidresponse@vermont.gov.
The Coronavirus Prevention and Management Dairy Farmer Handbook provides specific guidelines for dairy farmers to employ in their management practices.
Oregon State University’s Center for Small Farms and Community Food Systems aims to provide credible information regarding COVID-19. The document is a guide for how farmers can adjust operations in uncertain times, and which online platforms are being used to manage online sales.
AmericanHort in partnership with KCoe Isom is offering an updated webinar and support program to AmericanHort members and green industry participants to assist in navigating the application requirements of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
UVM Extension’s EFNEP has launched a Facebook page to bring information, education, and resources to communities across Vermont.
The USDA has been updating their website with rural development COVID-19 response details.
The NFFC has laid out the COVID-19 Stimulus Package for the Food System here.
On page 15 of the Bethel FAQ Sheet there is a list of resources available for farms and small businesses.
UVM Extension has business coaching available for farmers and forest or maple businesses that may be under pressure and is available to offer approximately 10 hours aiding you.
Growing Farmers has compiled an ebook all about the CARES Act for farmers.
NOFA-VT has created an updated resource list for farmers which includes resources on online platforms and ordering, distribution methods and best practices, responsive farm planning, managing labor, dairy, funding opportunities, and mental health.
NOFA-VT has a useful FAQ Sheet on paid sick leave for Vermont farmers and farm workers related to COVID-19.
The Vermont Specialty Food Association (VSFA) has created a Coronavirus Resource Guide.
Here is a list of various mental health resources to help through the crisis at hand:
Anxiety is normal: one-pager from UVM Medical Center
Farm Aid hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243)
Available Monday-Friday 9-5 EST
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-237-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text “CONNECT” TO 741741
Farm Aid has published an extensive, frequently updated list of links for state and national farmer resources, a guide for navigating COVID-19 assistance and a guide for navigating disaster assistance.
The Farmer Legal Action Group (FLAG) has released the Farmers’ Guide to COVID-19 Relief resource.
Fenn Farmstand & Gardens created a blog site to inspire and support home gardeners.
Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont makes new resources available on their website.
Community members can also get information about the COVID-19 economic impact payments / stimulus checks in eight languages:
And here is their information about Unemployment Benefits in seven languages:
COVID Support VT is a FEMA grant funded program created to provide emotional and wellness support, free of charge, to any Vermonter who may need it during the pandemic.
Printed materials available, some in multiple languages, that can be downloaded here and printed to distribute, or anyone can use this order form to have us send the materials directly.
Funding
USDA has reopened sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. Learn more HERE.
The 2020 Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award - is accepting farmer applications until June 30, and will focus on farmers who exemplify Eric’s values of giving back and entrepreneurism, specifically related to response and recovery around the pandemic, as well as issues of racial injustice in Vermont.
New England Grassroots Environment Fund is offering rapid turnaround grants of up to $1K for COVID-19 community relief work.
The Agency of Agriculture has compiled a list of Grants, Loans, and Relief Payments.
More links can be found on Farm Via Blog.
The Emergency Economic Injury Grant (EIDL) does not need to be repaid, even if the grantee is subsequently denied an EIDL, and may be used to provide paid sick leave to employees, maintaining payroll, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.
Food Access and Distribution
The Vermont Foodbank is coordinating efforts to ensure all are fed during the COVID-19 pandemic. If your distribution channels are impacted as a fruit and vegetable grower (e.g. due to restaurants closing), consider the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program.
Farm to Institution New England created a spreadsheet to match up gaps and surplus in the New England institutional food system.
Regional food hub and local distribution mechanisms may be able to connect you with market opportunities. Reference the following organizations to find one in your area!
Center for an Agricultural Economy, Farm Connex & Emergency Farm Fund. Contact: Jon Ramsay, 802-472-5362, jon@hardwickagriculture.org
Food Connects – Windham County & beyond. Contact: Alex McCullough, 802-451-0555, alex@foodconnects.org
Green Mountain Farm Direct – Northern region. Contact: Amrita Parry, aparry@gmfts.org
Intervale Center Food Hub, Chittenden Co. region. Contact: Keith Drinkwine, 802-660-0440 x115, keith@intervale.org
Vermont Farmer Food Center, Rutland Region. Contact: 802-342-4219, admin@vermontfarmersfoodcenter.org
The Vermont Cheese Council has developed an Online Sales Directory to help provide a way for VT cheesemakers to sell their cheese.
NOFA-VT has launched a Distribution Matchmaking Tool that allows farmers seeking distribution points, farmstand outlets, or marketing collaborations to connect with farmers that are looking for additional products or partnerships or who have the infrastructure resources to help other farms in need.
Farm to Institution New England has also organized a spreadsheet to help farmers connect with other farmers and potential markets.
Here is updated information for outdoor farmers markets.
Here is additional information from the Agency of Agriculture.
Young Farmers created a guide for direct sales software platforms.
NOFA-VT created a list of free/subsidized EBT equipment options available to direct market farms in Vermont.
To donate food, contact an organization close to your operation:
Community Harvest of Central Vermont, serving the capitol region broadly. Contact: Allison Levin, 802-229-4281, CommunityHarvestVT@gmail.com
Healthy Roots Collaborative, Serving Vermont’s NW region. Contact: Peter Jenkins, 802-524-2194, healthyrootsgleans@gmail.com
HOPE, serving Addison County region. Contact: Lily Bradburn, 802-388-3608, lbradburn@hope-vt.org
Intervale Center, serving greater Burlington. Contact: Hannah Baxter, 603-545-8171, hannah@intervale.org
Salvation Farms, serving the Lamoille Valley and SW NEK region. Contact: Emma Korowotny, 203-725-8991, emma@salvationfarms.org
Willing Hands, serving the Upper Valley region. Contact: Jim McCracken, 802-698-0265, jim@willinghands.org
The following are distributors and a few additional resources that can support you, your business, and in moving your food to open markets
Farmers to You – online farmers market. Contact: 802-225-6383, info@farmerstoyou.com
Black River Produce – wholesale distributor. Contact: 800-228-5481
Upper Valley Produce – wholesale distributor. Contact: 802-295-7400
Farm First - free and confidential support for all farmers and their families. Contact: 877-493-6216, allenm@investeap.org