COVID-19 and Agriculture

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily life, activities, and business in the Granite State, including agriculture.

The NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food is providing curated guidance documents about COVID-19 as pertains to agriculture. We will add updated information as available.

• The third and final funding round for the NH Agriculture COVID-19 Relief Program is now open. As in the previous round, all farms that experienced average COVID-19-related expenses of at least $500 per month or average COVID-19-related lost sales of at least $1,000 per month (as compared to 2019) during the October 1-- November 30, 2020 time period are eligible to apply. Also, farms that registered for the original agriculture COVID-19 relief program by June 22, 2020 and have additional losses for the October 1- November 30, 2020 period, may apply at this time using the same application form. The application deadline is December 10, 2020. Applications must be completed online. Program Fact Sheet Application

• A new funding round for the NH Agriculture COVID-19 Relief Program is now open. All farms that experienced average COVID-19-related expenses of at least $500 per month or average COVID-19-related lost sales of at least $1,000 per month (as compared to 2019) during the July 1- September 30, 2020 time period are eligible to apply. Also, farms that registered for the original agriculture COVID-19 relief program by June 22, 2020 and have additional losses for the July 1- Sept. 30, 2020 period, may apply at this time using the same application form. The application deadline is October 15, 2020. Applications must be completed online. Program Fact Sheet Application

• Governor Sununu has authorized a new COVID-19 Relief Program, The New Hampshire Gap Fund, to provide emergency financial relief to NH businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by COVID-19, but have been unable to access support from other existing state and federal programs. The application period is July 21-August 4, 2020. Learn more.

• The NH Division of Weights & Measures has scheduled two scale certification clinics to be held in Concord on July 20th and 23rd at the Tobey Building Garage. The sessions will be from 10am - 2pm and will be by appointment only. For more information, or to sign-up for a time slot, please call the Division of Weights & Measures at (603) 271-2894. Attendees are asked to please wear a face mask and make sure your scales are cleaned before bringing them to be tested. The clinic location address is 45 S. Fruit St, Concord NH.

• NH Agriculture COVID-19 Relief Program Application: First funding period (March 1-June 30) now closed. ** Second round application (for losses and expenses from July 1-Sept. 30)available soon. Deadline to apply is October 15. Only registered farm businesses may apply.
• Webinar scheduled on June 15th, 7pm to provide information on the NH Agriculture COVID-19 Relief Program as well as assistance programs offered by USDA and the Small Business Administration. Click here for details and to pre-register.
• Registration is now open for the NH Agriculture COVID-19 Relief Program. Registration deadline is June 22, 2020. The registration form is a mandatory prerequisite to later apply for relief funding under this program.  If a producer does not submit an online registration form, the producer cannot apply for relief. Complete and submit the form now, even if you decide not to apply later. The registration period is open through June 22, 2020 at 11:59 PM. Link to registration form here. See program factsheet here.
• Best Practices for PYO Operations in Times of COVID-19 (from UNH Extension)
• CDC COVID-19 Guidelines for Agricultural Workers and Employers
• The federal Coronavirus Food Assistance Program(CFAP) administered by the Farm Service Agency, is now ready to receive applications from producers. Program details here. Producer helpline: 877-508-8364 (8am-8pm, M-F), or contact NH FSA: 603-224-7941
• NH Main Street Relief Fund prequalifying application deadline May 29, 2020, to be considered. Application information can be found by clicking here
• USDA Announces $2.1 billion to Specialty Crop producers impacted by COVID-19
• Reopening Guidance for NH Equestrian Facilities
• Governor Sununu Announces $10 million in emergency COVID-19 funding for NH agriculture
• New Funding Round of Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Agirculture Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
• Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force information and public input
• SARS-CoV-2 and Animals: FAQs
• Invitation to Join Remote Ag Industry Meeting with Commissioner Jasper

• Congress has passed a new $484 billion COVID-19 package that positively impacts agricultural and forestry businesses.We encourage agricultural businesses to quickly apply for these programs.

• Farmers market signs (in relation to COVID-19)for download (color)Black & white version
• UNH Cooperative Extension seeks farms to sign up for free online map of farm products to assist consumers
• Agricultural Resources for Assisting with COVID-19
• Scale Certification Clinic update from the NH Division of Weights & Measures
• Farms, farm stands, farmers' markets, greenhouses, garden centers are among designated "essential" businesses under new Stay at Home order by Governor Sununu (Emergency Order #17).Information regarding this order is available at nheconomy.com.
• A message to our Stakeholders
• A message from the NH Commissioner of Agriculture
• Resources Regarding COVID-19 and Agriculture

Federal COVID-19 Resources Pertaining to Agriculture:

• USDA Anounces more Specialty Crops, Nursery Crops, Cut Flowers Now Eligible for CFAP Funding
• USDA to Host Webinar for Prodcers Interested in Applying for Direct Payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program--May 14th, 1pm **If you misssed it, see recording of webinar here
• Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Agriculture and COVID-19 (USDA)
• Rural Development COVID-19 Response
• FDA Food Safety and COVID-19
• CDC Guidance for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers and Employers

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension COVID-19 Resources:

• FAQ About COVID-19 and NH Agriculture Updated daily (including updates on Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs)
• How is Your Garden Center Going to Operate this Spring?
• Protecting Yourself and Your Farm from COVID-19
• COVID-19: Resources and information for growers and producers
• Resources to Help Farms, Food Banks, Food Service Businesses and Grocery Stores Deal with COVID-19