COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 has significantly affected the entire world and every sector of industry. Businesses have been forced to close, people are working from home, and daily life functions are limited. Fortunately, the agriculture industry is still in business. Farmers are still farming, and ranchers are still ranching. Many people think because of the store shortages that there are shortages in agriculture production. This is not the case; agriculture production is still happening every day. Agriculture has been deemed a critical/essential industry by both the federal and state government to help ensure the nation’s food supply remains viable. However, there are still questions and concerns about the ability to operate farms and ranches as seamlessly as possible. Below is information and resources to help ensure farm and ranch businesses are able to successfully operate in light of current conditions.
Critical/Essential Industry

Farming and ranching, along with the ancillary businesses that keep them functioning, are critical to ensuring the nation’s food supply. Below are links to federal and state documents providing guidance and/or directive on the industries and sectors classified as critical and/or essential.

Department of Homeland Security - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA released its guidance for Critical Essential Infrastructure Workforce and identified agriculture and its workforce as critical. The guidance states that: “If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.”
The guidance document has been updated several times since it was originally released. The updates have provided clarity around a range of positions needed to support critical infrastructure and to help state and local jurisdictions, as well as the private sector identify and manage their essential workforce while responding to COVID-10. The updated guidance document (Version 3.1 May 19, 2020) can be viewed at this link .

This list is advisory in nature and is not a federal directive or standard. This list is also intended to be continuously reviewed and amended as the COVID-19 situation changes. Should you have any questions or would like to provide input, DHS officials urge industry to send information and questions to Cisa.cat@cisa.dhs.gov .

Arizona Executive Order Detailing Essential Services – On March 23, 2020 Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order to help clarify businesses and operations deemed as “essential” by the state. Section 3(c) includes food production as “Essential Infrastructure Operations” and recognizing a broad definition so as to avoid any impacts to essential infrastructure.”

The executive order can be viewed at this link.

Arizona COVID-19 Executive Orders

UPDATE: On March 25, 2021 Governor Ducey issued Executive Order (EO) 2021-05, Lifting Occupancy Limits Implemented Due COVID-19 and 2021-06, Business Guidelines Transition from Requirements to Recommendations. EO 2021-06 lifted the restrictions on organized public events and rescinded the following EOs: 2020-09, Limiting the Operations of Certain Businesses to Slow the Spread of COVID-19; 2020-36, Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger; 2020-40, Containing the Spread of COVID-19; 2020-43, Pausing of Arizona Reopening; 2020-47; Reducing the Risk, Slowing the Spread; 2020-52, Continuation of Executive Order 2020-43; 2020-59, Further Mitigation Requirements for Events.

Additionally, the EOs state that businesses physically operating in Arizona and serve the public or are employers are encouraged to continue to take actions recommended by the CDC, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and ADHS to limit and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

To view all of Arizona's COVID-19 Executive Orders click here .

COVID-19 Vaccines – Eligibility of Food and Agriculture Frontline Workers

Arizona’s COVID-19 vaccine supply is allocated through local and tribal health jurisdictions. Due to the current limited initial supply of vaccine, Arizona counties will be utilizing a phased approach by priority to determine who is eligible to receive the vaccine. Arizona counties will soon begin offering the vaccine to workers in Phase 1B, which includes agricultural supply chain employees.

The Arizona Department of Health Services COVID-19 Vaccination Plan includes food and agriculture related occupations as essential workers eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1B of the priority listing. According to Executive Order 2020-12, this covers food production, processing, and cultivation, including farming, livestock production, and fishing, as well as any other production of agriculture such as cultivation, marketing, production, and distribution of animals and goods for consumption. This is consistent with CISA guidance identifying farmers, farm and ranch workers, support service and suppliers, harvesters, packers, storage, distribution, and transportation workers as essential critical infrastructure workers.

Once counties begin distributing vaccines to Phase 1B, eligible employees will need to be screened for eligibility and schedule an appointment. Visit your county’s health services website for the latest information about phasing and employee eligibility.

CDC COVID-19 Communication Tool Kit for Essential Workers
The CDC's toolkit provides employers a variety of resources regarding the COVID-19 vaccine including an education slide deck, frequently asked questions, poster/flyers, newsletter content, a plain language vaccine factsheet (available in several different languages), and a template letter for employees. The link to the toolkit is below.

Communication Toolkit for Essential Workers Resources for employers include:

FDA COVID-19 Vaccination Resources and Essential Workers
The FDA has created a new webpage to share information and resources to help employers in the Food and Agriculture sector communicate about COVID-19 vaccination to their workforce.

COVID-19 Vaccination & Food and Agriculture Sector

Farm Worker Safety

As a critical industry, it is important that employers communicate to their employees what can be done in the workplace to protect their employees and themselves. Below are resources for addressing the coronavirus in the workplace.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) -

Guidance for Agricultural Workers and Employers

The CDC and U.S. Department of Labor has issued interim guidance for agriculture workers and employers in response to COVID-19.

The guidance states that workers on farms, ranches, and other production agriculture work sites are considered critical infrastructure workers within the food and agriculture sector. The guidance urges all agriculture work sites to follow to the extent feasible, relevant aspects of CDC guidance.

Click here for the guidance that provides a template of action to protect agriculture workers from COVID-19. Agricultural employers can adapt the recommendations to protect workers at their particular work sites or in specific work operations.

Click here for the Agricultural Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan

Fact sheets and Posters

Link to various printable fact sheets and posters in English and Spanish including the following:

What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others – pdf here
Stop the Spread of Germs of Poster – pdf here

Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Link to Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers includes the following topics:

Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Outbreak
Reduce transmission among employees
Maintaining a healthy Business Operation
Maintaining a healthy work environment

COVID-19 Confirmed or Exposed Workers – What to Do

The CDC has also provided guidance on implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Click here for CDC’s guidance online
Click here for CDC’s Safety Practices for Critical Workers Exposed to COVID-19 (one-page pdf)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Link to Q & A page for information in the following areas:

Food Supply
Social Distancing, Disinfecting & Other Precautions
Temporary Policy
Workers Testing Positive

Link to Employee Health and Food Safety Checklist for Human and Animal Food Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

To assist the food industry during COVID-19, FDA and OSHA developed the “Employee Health and Food Safety Checklist for Human and Animal Food Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The checklist utilizes existing guidance provided by the FDA, CDC, and OSHA and serves as a quick reference to help the food industry assess employee health, social distancing, and food safety within workplaces as operations may be impacted by COVID-19. Some or all of this checklist may be useful to persons growing, harvesting, packing, manufacturing, processing, or holding human and animal food regulated by FDA.

The checklist is not an exhaustive list of all measures human and animal food operations may take to protect employee health and food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it can serve as a quick reference to identify areas where additional attention could be warranted.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Link to Interim EPA Health & Safety Guidelines for information in the following areas (published July 6, 2020):

Respiratory Protection
Safety Training and Medical Clearance
Pre-Travel Considerations
Travel Related Recommendations

Facemasks, cloth face covering, respirators

The FDA has created a fact sheet in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control to provide as a reference for various face coverings worn by workers.

Click here for FDA’s guidance online
Click here for FDA’s Respirator, Disposable Facemasks, and Cloth Face Coverings fact sheet (two-page pdf)

COVID-19 Confirmed or Exposed Workers – What to Do

The FDA published a summary on what to do if you have COVID-19 confirmed positive or exposed workers in your food production, storage, or distribution operations regulated by FDA. The guidance is derived from CDC recommendations and outlines key steps that employers and workers can take to help stay open, prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19, and support continuity of essential operations if workers are diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, or show symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Click here for FDA’s guidance online

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) -

Link to Guidance on Preparing Workplace for COVID-19 (35-page pdf)
Link to Guidance on how to prevent worker exposure to COVID-19 (one-page pdf)

Other comprehensive COVID-19 Resources can be found at the following links -

Farm Employer Labor Service Guidance – link
Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
- Coronavirus Prevention on Farms – link
- COVID-19 and Your Dairy Webinar – link
The Zenith Agribusiness Solutions Guidance for Resources for Ag Operations - link
Western Growers: COVID-19 Resources page , which includes the following information:
- Additional Prevention Measures to Mitigate COVID-19 – click here
- What to do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 – click here
- Worker Safety for Essential Businesses (webinar recording) – click here

Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

EPA released guidance regarding the annual pesticide safety training requirements outlined in the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Click here for the guidance that offers flexibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act & Paid Sick Leave

Last week the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law. Two main provisions apply to agriculture employers; a requirement to provide paid leave and a requirement to provide paid sick leave. These requirements start April 2 and remain in effect through the end of the calendar year. The requirements apply to employers with 500 or fewer employees which means that most farmers and ranchers will need to provide benefits.

Employers will be able to reduce the amount of Social Security taxes they owe to compensate for providing the required paid and sick leave. If the expense exceeds the amount of Social Security taxes due, then the government will issue the employer a payment. Self-employed individuals are also able to claim paid sick leave credits. More information about how the tax credits will work is expected to be released by the IRS next week.

Additionally, covered employers are required to post the employment law poster related the FCRA. A link to the posters can be found here .

American Farm Bureau provided the following link to an article posted by the accounting firm, CliftonLarsonAllen, that provides a good summary of the new law. Click here for article.

Please click on the following links for additional information:

IRS guidance – click here
- IRS COVID-19 Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs - click here
DOL resources – click here

If you have specific labor or tax questions related to your business, we recommend contacting an employment lawyer and/or a certified public accountant.

Payroll Tax Deferral Guidance

The Treasury Department released guidance providing details about the August 8 presidential memorandum allowing for the deferral of Social Security payroll taxes between September 1 and December 31, 2020. The guidance (IRS Notice 2020-65) allows, but does not require employers, to defer withholding and paying the employee’s portion of Social Security taxes if the employee’s wages are below $4,000 for a two week pay period. A participating employee would be required to pay the deferred tax between January 1 and April 30, 2021. IRS Notice 2020-65 can be found here .

OSHA Guidance on Reporting Workplace Illness of COVID-19

On May 26, 2020 the OSHA enforcement guidance for recording cases of coronavirus disease will go into effect. This new guidance provides criteria to help employers determine if reporting is necessary.

Under OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, COVID 19 is a recordable illness, as a result employers are responsible for recording cases of COVID-19. Employers with 10 or fewer employees have no recording obligation except work related COVID-19 illness that results in a fatality or an employee’s in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.

For those subject to reporting, please click here to review the criteria provided by OSHA in determining if a COVID case is considered work related.

U.S. – Mexico Border Closure

U.S. and Mexican officials have mutually determined that non-essential travel between the United States and Mexico poses additional risk of transmission and spread of COVID-19 and places the populace of both nations at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. U.S. and Mexican officials have mutually determined that border crossings will be limited to only “essential personnel.” This includes:

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States;
Individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the farming or agriculture industry who must travel between the United States and Mexico in furtherance of such work);
Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the United States and Mexico);

Click here for DHS’s guidance.

Department of Labor H-2A Guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification has published information regarding the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Labor Certification Program and COVID-19

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (March 20, 2020)

Click here for Round 2 Frequently Asked Questions (April 1, 2020)

Click here for Round 3 Frequently Asked Questions (April 9, 2020)

Additional information and resources can also be found at farmers.gov

Transportation – DOT Expanded National Emergency Declaration for Commercial Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has now released two FAQ documents to provide guidance on its expanded national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers in response to the nationwide coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. (Click here for DOT Expanded Emergency Declaration related to COVID-19.)

FAQ Document #1 – click here : lists livestock as eligible for hours-of-service relief, because livestock are an immediate precursor to “essential” items for the COVID-19 relief effort.
FAQ Document #2 – click here : notes that wood pulp, feed, and fertilizer are eligible for hour-of-service relief under emergency declaration because they are precursors to items that “essential” for emergency relief efforts.

Expanded Telemedicine Coverage

Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order on March 25, 2020 requiring health care insurance companies to expand telemedicine coverage for all services that would normally be covered for an in-person visit. The order helps ensure that Arizonans who may be sick or under quarantine can access care from their homes and avoid potentially risky trips to a health care provider. It remains in effect until the termination of the declared public health emergency.

Click here for Expansion of Telemedicine Executive Order

Telemedicine Expanded to Include Pets and Animals

Executive Order 2020-19 was issued on April 1 ^st that allows pets and animals to be examined by veterinarians through telemedicine. Under the order:

The use of telemedicine may be used by licensed veterinarians in Arizona;
The Arizona State Veterinary Medical Board may establish reasonable requirements and parameters for telehealth services, including record keeping, but such requirements and parameters may not be more restrictive or less favorable to providers than are required for veterinary medical services delivered in-person;
And veterinary providers cannot not charge more for a telemedicine visit than they would for an in-person visit.

According to the Order, all electronic means of delivering veterinary telehealth, including telephone and video calls, to enable individuals to remain in their homes are allowed under the Executive Order. It also prevents veterinarians from charging more for telemedicine than for an office or in-person visit.

Click here to view the Telemedicine for Pets and Animals Executive Order.

Arizona Department of Agriculture Operations

Please click here to see how operations at Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) have changed as a result of the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order.

If customers need to go to the Phoenix office, you are encouraged to call and make an appointment. Phone numbers for the various Divisions are provided in the link above.

*Most of Arizona’s government agencies are implementing similar operations to those employed by AZDA. If you need to visit an agency in person, you are encouraged to call them first.*

Arizona Department of Health Services

Click here for information regarding recommendation for distancing, sanitation, and communication at Arizona farmers markets.

Financial Assitance/Resources

U.S. Department of the Treasury - Assistance for Small Businesses

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a new guaranteed loan program for small businesses to keep their employees on the payroll. Eligible businesses include nonprofits, veterans organizations, Tribal business concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors – with 500 or fewer employees.

Loans are capped at $10 million but can include up to eight weeks of the businesses average monthly payroll costs from the last year plus an additional 25 percent for non-payroll costs. Seasonal and new businesses will use different calculations.

New round of PPP lending made available through the COVID-19 Relief Package
The recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 allocated $284 billion in funding for a second round of PPP loans. SBA began accepting loan applications on January 11th for new applicants and January 13th for repeat applicants. The loan application deadline for this round of PPP loans has been extended to May 31, 2021 or until funds are exhausted.

To learn more about the second round of PPP loans or begin preparing an application click here for the SBA website.

In addition to providing additional PPP funds, the Relief package also made several important improvements to the PPP loan program:

Provided clarification that allowable expenses that had been paid for with forgiven PPP loans may be taken as a business deduction for income tax purposes without limitation.
Cut in half the qualifying reduction in gross revenue – dropping it from 50% to 25% - between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. This change expands the number of farm and ranch families that can qualify to participate.

For a top-line overview of the PPP program CLICK HERE
If you’re a borrowing, more information can be found HERE
- For sole proprietors, more information can be found HERE
- *The Treasury Department released new guidance for calculating the maximum PPP loan, which includes guidance for farmers who file an IRS Schedule F. The updated guidance (April 24, 2020) can be viewed here.*
- The SBA also released new FAQs, which include how businesses could interpret the definition for an employee’s “principal place of residence” for H-2A and H-2B workers. The updated FAQs can be viewed here .
The application for borrowers can be found HERE

American Farm Bureau Article - Update: Paycheck Protection Loans Available to Farmers, Regardless of Revenue, Apply Now

Farm Bureau Bank - Paycheck Protections Program loans are available through Farm Bureau Bank. Click here for more information.

USDA Paycheck Protection Program FAQs - Click link here - Once at USDA page scroll down the page and click on the "Loans and Grants" tab.

Overview of SBA funding programs available through the CARES Act - Click here (Source: Greater Phoenix Economic Council)

PPP Loan Forgiveness Application - SBA has released the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form. This is the form that PPP participants will need to complete and submit to their lender to determine the amount of the loan that is forgiven. The obligation to complete and submit the forgiveness application form rests with the PPP participant, not the lending institution. If an application for loan forgiveness is not received the entire PPP amount received by the participant will continue to be treated as a loan. The SBA will be releasing additional guidance to assist borrowers complete the form. Borrowers will be able to begin submitting this application in mid-June.

There are two loan forgiveness applications available to borrowers:

The full PPP loan forgiveness application form (updated on June 16th) can be found here.
The EZ PPP loan forgiveness application form that can be found here.
- The PPP Flexibility Act of 2020 required SBA create a more "borrower-friendly" application form.

The US Chamber of Commerce has prepared a four-page PPP Loan Forgiveness Guide to help navigate and understand the loan forgiveness process. Click here for the Guide.

*Farmers and ranchers should consult with their accountant, tax preparer, and/or financial advisor about the PPP application and loan forgiveness form to ensure all the proper documentation has been completed and reviewed.*

SBA released an interim final rule that updates the First Loan Forgiveness Rule and the First Loan Review Rule. These updates reflect the changes that were included in the Flexibility Act. The updated interim final rule can be viewed here .

The original SBA and Treasury Department Interim Final Rules that provide borrowers and lenders guidance on the requirements governing the forgiveness of PPP loans are listed below.

Interim Final Rule on Loan Forgiveness - click here
Interim Final Rule on Loan Review Procedures and Related Borrower Responsibility - click here

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs)

In the original CARES Act, agricultural entities were incorrectly excluded from this loan program, which can offer an immediate advance of up to $10,000 in addition to millions more in a low-interest loan to cover operating and other costs. Ag entities can apply for this program through the Small Business Administration's website. Click here for the EIDL portal.

Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries ( as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees.

Farmers and ranchers should continue consulting with their accountant, tax preparer and/or financial advisor about the PPP and EIDL application for their particular situation because this additional funding will be available on a first-come-first serve basis and will go quickly.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

The USDA has released a document, the COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide, described as a “one-stop-shop” of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by COVID-19. The resource includes information regarding federal funding and partnership opportunities that help address the impacts of COVID-19. Click here for the USDA guide.

FSA Relaxing the Farm Loan-Making Process

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) in a news release notes it is relaxing its loan-making process including an extension in the deadline for applicants to complete farm loan applications, extending deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, and modifications to servicing guaranteed loans.

Note: USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only.

Click here for more detailed information regarding the updates to USDA farm loans.

Marketing Assistance Loans - Loan maturity now extended to 12 months: Click here for additional details.

RMA Authorizing Additional Flexibility for Producers

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is authorizing additional flexibilities due to COVID-19. RMA is providing support to producers working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims and agreements. These flexibilities include: enabling producers to send notifications and reports electronically, extending the date for production reports and providing additional time and deferring interest on premium and other payments.

RMA News Release: Click here

RMA COVID-19 FAQs: Click here

USDA Rural Development

The USDA Rural Development Agency is implementing various actions and procedures to provide relief to its customers, partners and stakeholders in the following areas: rural housing service, rural utilities service, and rural business-cooperative service.

Click here for the full USDA announcement.

Funding to Support Vulnerable Arizonans During Pandemic and Opportunity for Direct Market Growers

Governor Doug Ducey announced an initial $6.7 million in funding to support Arizona food banks, nutrition programs and programs that serve the homeless. The dollars are part of a $50 million COVID-19 relief package signed into law over the weekend by Governor Ducey and will have an immediate impact for Arizona’s most at-risk communities.

$1.75 million is being dedicated to improve food security in Arizona. This includes:

$1 million in immediate food bank assistance to be distributed by the Department of Economic Security to enhance existing food bank infrastructure.
$500,000 to expand Arizona’s “Double-Up” Food Bucks program, which allows Arizonans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance to get a $1 match from the State for every $1 they spend on Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables, up to an additional $20 per day. Private-sector partners have also announced that they will contribute $500,000 to the “Double-up program, bringing program capacity to $1 million.
$250,000 for the Arizona Produce Purchasing Program, known as the “Farm To Food Bank” program. Through a partnership between the Arizona Food Bank Network, the Department of Economic Security, and the Department of Agriculture along with agricultural partners, this program provides those in need with fresh produce, eggs, chicken, and pork, and provides a market for local producers to support their employees and communities.

If direct market growers want to connect with their local food banks to sell their product, they should go to Friends of the Farm.

Economic Impact Payments

The CARES Acts provide Economic Impact Payments of up to $1200/individual or $2400/couple plus $500 per child for those who earn less than $ 75,000/individual or $150,000/couple.

The IRS announced a portal for tax filers to provide the IRS with bank account information in order to expedite the receipt of Economic Stimulus Payments. The IRS says without direct deposit information, it will take up to five months to receive a payment through the mail. It is not necessary for taxpayers who used direct deposit for their 2018 or 2019 tax filings to provide additional information. The IRS portal for providing direct deposit information can be found here: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/login

Earlier the IRS announced a portal for individuals who were not required to file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 to provide direct deposit information. Such Individuals who receive Social Security benefits do not need to provide additional information. This IRS portal for providing direct deposit information can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here