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March 16, 2021


In this issue:
And from the Field
Visit our YouTube Page
Breakfast with the Food Safety Group

COVID Strategies for the 2021 Growing Season

The Plant Science Food Safety Group’s inaugural newsletter came out about one year ago this week. The COVID-19 pandemic was the topic. It seems fitting to touch on that topic again and look at the upcoming growing season.

If you missed the 2021 Advanced Webinar series, Dr. Angela Ferelli gave the last segment on COVID-19 and the upcoming season. A recording of that session can be found here: https://youtu.be/Oslsbux4YWg. A copy of the PowerPoint slides can be found here: https://psla.umd.edu/sites/psla.umd.edu/files/files/documents/Food%20Safety/COVID%20Resource%20Update%20Maryland%2003-08-21.pdf. There are a lot of good suggestions and resources provided.

We can expect COVID restrictions to change as the season advances and more people get vaccinated. Already, Governor Hogan is lifting restrictions in Maryland. It will be important, however, to adhere to CDC guidelines (https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions) and the guidelines set forth by the Maryland Departments of Agriculture and of Health (https://news.maryland.gov/mda/category/covid-19/) to ensure the safety of both workers and customers.

The first challenge to the farm is the incoming H2A workers and seasonal migrant workers moving up the coast. If you established cohorts last year, consider doing so again. There is more information in the Agricultural Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/pdf/Agricultural-Employer-checklist.pdf and the Maryland Departments of Agriculture and of Health COVID-19 checklist found here: https://mda.maryland.gov/maryland_products/Documents/Ag-COVID19-Business-Checklist.pdf

Many areas are now opening up vaccination clinics to admit 1C, which includes agricultural workers. Encourage your workers to be vaccinated. When going to the vaccination sites, a note on the farm letterhead may be required as proof of essential agricultural employment.

 


To help consumers, make sure your farm policies are clearly stated in signage on the farm and on the farm website. It is beneficial on the farm to have convenient handwashing stations, cashier shields, and good in-field spacing for PYO operations. If possible, continue online ordering and curbside pick-up. There were several good innovations for PYO operations discussed in the newsletter a few weeks ago. That copy can be found here:  https://us19.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=665324

This season the Maryland Department of Agriculture is providing handwashing stations, new signs, and other aids to help guide folks while on the farm. Check out these items here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjqM_eZTQ6abt98op6WMjDC4IL_bu73xExN9jAt-Gq35r-_A/viewform.

We are all looking forward to the new season and the continued interest by Maryland consumers to buy directly from our local farms and markets.

 
And from the field.......

Asparagus is a high-end and very desirable crop. If you have wondered about its culture, register for this free two hour webinar on the commercial production of asparagus taught by retired NC State Extension Educator, Carl Cantaluppi . Register today! Webinar is on March 17th at 10:00 am EDT
 
Register here: https://extension.psu.edu/asparagus-production-management-and-marketing
 
Photo credit, Carol Allen
 

The Plant Science Food Safety Group YouTube Page!
 
Visit our website for more produce safety information
https://psla.umd.edu/extension/produce-safety
 
There are signs available through the MDA Food Quality Assurance Program to encourage good consumer practices while in the market and on the farm. Contact the Food Safety Group for availability.
This 12" x 18" poster comes either as a corrugated poster board or as a magnetic sign and is perfect for Pick-Your-Own operations.
 


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Breakfast with the Food Safety Group from 7:00 - 10:00 am!
We are offering virtual office hours from 7:00 - 10:00 am.
Carol Allen can be reached at 301-405-7543 on Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings.
Angela Ferelli can be reached at 301-405-8922 Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
 
Call in with your questions about food safety for fresh produce!

Keep track of what is happening in produce safety and find cool resources. Check out our website: Food Safety Group Website 

Miss a back issue? They can be found on the website above by clicking on the "Food Safety Newsletter for Maryland Farmers" button. The past issues tab can be found in the top left corner.

 
Housekeeping: Notice there are Subscribe and Unsubscribe links at the bottom of the page. Please subscribe and pass this newsletter on! We want to serve your needs and the needs of all Maryland farmers big and small no matter your food crop. If something bugs you, please contact me! …but we want to stay in touch so don’t unsubscribe, reach out!

Carol D. Allen, Agent Associate and Editor
Chris Walsh, Professor Emeritus and Co-PI
University of Maryland
Plant Science Food Safety Group
callen12@umd.edu

Questions for MDA Food Quality Assurance Program:
Deanna Baldwin, Program Manager    

Food Quality Assurance Program
Maryland Department of Agriculture
produce.safety@maryland.gov
 
Funding for this publication was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137.  The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health & Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class
Highway 301 Fruit and Vegetable News
Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture Produce Safety
Carol D.Allen, Editor
Copyright © 2020 Plant Science Food Safety Group All rights reserved.

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