Guiding produce growers marketers through the COVID-19 pandemic (2020)

ISSUE

Throughout the past year, wholesale and direct-marketing produce growers were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wholesale growers needed information on keeping their employees safe. Direct marketers needed advice about adjusting sales methods to protect both the patrons and employees of farm stands, farmer's markets and pick-your-own operations.

RESPONSE

UD Cooperative Extension published two "Vegetable Grower" columns in the Delmarva Farmer, a regional newspaper that boasts a circulation of more than ten thousand copies. The first article, "Managing in a Time of Uncertainty," featured information on the basic safety precautions necessary for produce growers and marketers. This article was also picked up nationally in the Vegetable GRowns News. Further, "COVID-19 and Wholesale Produce Farms" addressed issues facing the produce industry, such as alternative marketing strategies and organizing a safe work environment. 

Six articles were published in the "Weekly Crop Update," a newsletter and blog produced by University of Delaware Cooperative Extension read by more than 300 subscribers and accessed online by hundreds of produce growers and industry professionals. Topics included:

• COVID-19 Considerations for Delaware Fruit and Vegetable Growers, 

• COVID-19 Resources for Delaware Producers and Food Providers, 

• Continuing Produce Sales with COVID-19 

• COVID-19 Resource Links,

• Gloves and COVID-19, and

• Use of Face Masks Now Recommended for Reducing COVID-19 Spread.

Dr. Gordon Johnson and Dr. Kali Kniel also advised the Lewes Farmers Market and the Delaware Farm Bureau on safely opening farmer's markets, recommendations that were incorporated into the statewide plan. Dr. Gordon Johnson and Dr. Kali Kniel incorporated COVID-19 information into a two to eight-hour Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training, with 37 attending remotely. UD Extension also provided 24 individual consultations with Delaware growers seeking expert advice on safely opening their farmer's market and establishing best practices for u-pick operations. 

IMPACT

The published and presented information has reached more than one thousand growers and produce industry professionals. As a result, safety improvements were made in sales practices, direct marketing and wholesale produce farm operations throughout the state. By helping farmer's markets and on-farm markets reopen safely, Delaware was able to protect an estimated $3 million in sales and prevent many COVID-19 illnesses.