• Topping the latest on the COVID-19 response, the Trump Administration announced an initial $19 billion in agricultural sector relief. The formal announcement came in an unusual 9:00 pm press conference by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. The outlined relief plan includes $16 billion in direct assistance to producers, and $3 billion in direct government purchases of meat, dairy products, and other foods. The direct relief mostly targets the livestock and produce sectors, but includes a targeted $500 million for “other crops.” However, a “per individual or entity” payment limit of $250,000 may apply. Details will be fleshed out in forthcoming rules. AmericanHort recently spearheaded a letter signed by 105 organizations urging Secretary Perdue to include nursery and floriculture crop growers in the relief package describing the severe horticulture market chain impacts resulting from COVID-19.
• On April 17, the Department of Homeland Security released its version 3.0 guidance on critical infrastructure and essential workers. In a positive refinement for horticulture, the Food and Agriculture Sector description was refined to explicitly include: Workers supporting the growth and distribution of plants and associated products for home gardens. While the guidance is advisory only, and decision authority is delegated to the states, most states adhere closely to the federal guidance.