COVID-19 Collected Resources for Farmers

We are compiling a list of resources for farmers who are working through challenges brought about by COVID-19.  This list is constantly updated, so please check back frequently.

AGW Resources

• COVID-19 Collected Resources—your landing page for all AGW resources related to farming during the pandemic
• AGW Online Shopping—connects consumers with AGW-certified products available for online order with both national and regional delivery. Make sure you’re listed, and please be in touch with me if we need to make updates to the outlets carrying your certified products.
• AGW Marketplace–a collection of advertisements for any products you’re seeking or selling. You can place a free ad anytime.
• AGW Farm to Farm Sales—a collection of advertisements from AGW-certified producers. Need to advertise livestock, forage or feed or even to lease pasture for grazing? All you have to do is complete a short form to place an ad.
• AGW Merchandise—promotional materials that are perfect for delivery boxes, farmers’ market stands and point of sale promotion.
• AGW’s Technical Support and Farm Health Online—addressing technical questions and issues from pasture-based producers.
• Labeling Assistance—for those of you thinking of incorporating AGW logos on your product packaging. We can and would love to help!
• Farmer check-in videos —video interviews with AGW-certified farmers, ranchers, processors and people working in the supply chain sharing experiences, wisdom, lessons learned and messages of encouragement with producers.
• Blog posts —on livestock management, interviews with AGW-certified farmers, industry news updates, and more added to our website regularly.

Resources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Canadian Government Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Guidance documents
• Local Farmers Markets Do Their Part to Flatten the Curve on Coronavirus, Debbie Roos, NC Cooperative Extension
• COVID-19 Resources For Food and Farms from NC State Extension
• COVID-19 Resources, NC State Extension
• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Notice of essential food and agriculture employee form
• Meat for Everyone Network, Meredith Leigh (NC Specific Networking Tool)
• Extension COVID-19 Resources Portal NC State Extension
• The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers online resources for farmers, agribusiness operators and others who work in the agricultural industry to assist with COVID-19 concerns. This page be found on the department’s web site www.ncagr.gov by clicking on the COVID-19 resources link.
• A Guide for Local Producers to Navigate the COVID-19 Outbreak, Purdue University
• How To Ensure Access to Local Meat During COVID-19 and Beyond, Meredith Leigh
• COVID-19 Farm Resources, Center for Dairy Excellence
• COVID-19 Guidelines for Farmers, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA
• COVID-19 – Questions-réponses pour les clientèles​ du MAPAQ, Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ)
• Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) Response to COVID-19 including emergency mini grants for NC farmers who have lost income as a result of COVID-19 and need assistance with household expenses.
• Farmland Relief Fund for any farms needing assistance
• COVID-19 for all Canadian Agriculture
• Oregon Tilth webinar “COVID-19 Planning for Direct Market Farmers: Online Sales Platforms”
  • Local Food Marketplace
  • Food4All
  • Open Food Network
• Building Farm Resilience During COVID-19, Cornell Small Farms Program
• Food System Resilience in a Time of Crisis: Considerations and Resources for the Community, Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
• Barn2Door “Attract Local Customers” Free download to support farmers impacted by COVID-19
• U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Low-Interest Loan
• FACT: Emergency Mini-Grants for Livestock and Poultry Farmers
• Farm Commons is releasing podcasts related to legal matters related to COVID-19 responses.
• Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders, COVID-19 Philanthropic Response and Recovery Funds: Food & Agriculture System
• American Association of Meat Processors: COVID-19 Resource Page
• USDA Find Meals For Kids When Schools Are Closed
• Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Farmers/Ranchers Affected by COVID-19 webinar
• Farm Commons: Taking a second look at the Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness for farmers and ranchers

Grants and Financial Assistance

• Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) Response to COVID-19 including emergency mini grants for NC farmers who have lost income as a result of COVID-19 and need assistance with household expenses.
• Farmland Relief Fund for any farms needing assistance
• U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Low-Interest Loan
• FACT: Emergency Mini-Grants for Livestock and Poultry Farmers
• Rural Lisc, Rural Relief Small Business Grants
• USDA Farm to School Grant Program

Full-Service, Shipping, Online Sales Platforms

• GrazeU: The Perishable Shipping Launchpad, 60 day free pass
• Barn 2 Door
  • Easy, Low Cost CSA Software for Farmers
  • Shipping: Is It Right for Your Farm?
  • Full list of Barn 2 Door Resources
• Harvie
• MeatSuite website used to find locally produced, high quality meats in bulk.
• Grazecart A website and online shopping cart built by farmers for farmers.
• Open Food Network
• Crowd Cow

Social Media Marketing

• “Get Social,” AGW’s Sustainable Farming Magazine
• Taking Pictures of your Farm

Taking payment (online, in-person)

• Square
• Stripe
• Paypal

Inventory Management

• Microsoft Template for inventory management/tracking

DIY Online Storefront and E-Commerce

There are many providers offering this service. PinnacleCart, Shopify, Wix Stores are rated highly; AGW has also used WooCommerce and been satisfied.

Shipping Resources

• UPS
• Fedex
• ShipStation
• Shipping Materials: There are many providers, here are a few (feel free to send recommendations): Uline, Tempac, UPS

COVID-19 news on impacts for farmers and food businesses

• Mother Jones article featuring Firsthand Foods who uses AGW-certified pork from the North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association.
• Civil Eats article Small Farms Also Struggle as Restaurants Shut Down Due to Coronavirus
• Adirondack Explorer Adirondack, NY farms adapt to restock locals’ pantries
• Civil Eats Pastured Meat Producers Are Facing Catastrophic Losses. These Efforts Could Help Them Weather The Pandemic