In this issue:

Local Foods Open Space Discussion

Produce Safety Spotlight

Webinar Opportunities

Other COVID-19 Resources
Local Foods Open Space Discussion Special Edition


April 27, 2020 | 2:30 to 3:15

Taking Your Business Online & Safe Delivery Methods
Ryan Neal, Cooperative Extension Agent and Grower, will share delivery methods including software options and cost.
 
Kim Doughty, Farmer and Owner of Bell Urban Farm (Conway), will share online business/social media tips and best practices for safe deliveries and pick-ups.


Directly after this meeting, join us on Network Conversations.

April 27, 2020 | 3:30 to 4:30

Network Conversations: Food Safety in the School Garden

Julia Fryer will be featured on this month's Network Conversations hosted by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Julia will be discussing produce safety in school gardens and providing resources on best practices during this global pandemic.

The next Local Foods Open Space Discussion will be on May 11th. This meeting is free, but registration is required.
Did you miss the last Local Foods Open Space Discussion? Watch the recording now to learn about U-Pick and Farmers Market best practices during this global pandemic.
Produce Safety Spotlight
The new FSMA Produce Safety Rule inflation adjusted cutoffs are now available here !

Am I covered by the Produce Safety Rule?
  • You are not subject to the rule if your average produce sales over the past 3 years is < $28,075.
  • You are subject to the rule if your average food sales (produce, meat, hay, animal feed, etc.) over the past 3 years is >$561,494, and you cannot be qualified exempt.
  • Did you sell more than $28,075 in produce but less than $561,494 in total food sales? You are subject to the Produce Safety Rule but may be qualified exempt. Contact us for more information!
Webinar Opportunities
COVID-19: Regulatory Changes Impacting Food Production and Distribution

April 22
11 am - 12 pm

This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the federal regulatory changes that have been implemented to respond to the pandemic. This includes changes in USDA and FDA inspections, enforcement of regulations related to transporting food, and worker safety.

Dee p Dive into Rest aurants


April 27
1 - 2 pm


Join Jon Bos, owner of the Blue Shamrock Pub, and Diane Longanbach, Innovation Counselor at MSU Product Center, as they discuss how restaurants have shifted during the novel coronavirus, creative strategies restaurants are using to generate revenue and what restaurants are doing now to prepare for opening back up.
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19

Recording

In this four part series, we discuss COVID-19 and how it impacts food safety practices. Hear the latest facts and myths about reducing coronavirus transmission, and best practices you can use for your farm and food business. Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, Melissa Chase, Joell Eifert, Laura Strawn, Rob Williams, and Amber Vallotton.
Other COVID-19 Resources
For more information and resource s on COVID-19, check out our Extension site dedicated t o bringing you science-based information.
The National Agricultural Law Center has compiled resources and answered frequently asked ag-related questions during this crisis.
The EPA has a list (List N) of disinfectants to use against COVID-19.
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