Coronavirus and COVID-19 Resources
Agritourism Guidelines During COVID
The State has moved away from industry-specific guidance to the extent possible in order to be more simplified.
Monthly Local Agriculture/Food and COVID-19 Discussion
Join the RI Division of Agriculture and partner organizations to discuss topical COVID-19 resources, concerns, and other relevant information to support our agricultural sector in this difficulty time.
Calls have moved to monthly by Zoom, call information is below which stays the same each call. Next call is Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 2 pm. Check back for updates on the monthly meeting date.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91833528799
Meeting ID: 918 3352 8799
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
GAP Certification
If you are reading this, you have likely heard of the RI GAP program and know that there is a system in place and support for growers in Rhode Island that may need to undergo a RI GAP audit. We are well into the growing season, but we have developed a system to facilitate participation in this program for this season.
You can learn more about the RI GAP program by:
1. Visiting The RI Produce Safety Portal
2. Reviewing RI GAP Certification During Covid-19
3. Contacting Ananda Fraser:
Produce Safety Program Coordinator
RI DEM – Division of Agriculture
401-537-8093
Ananda.Fraser@dem.ri.gov
Need to apply for or renew your pesticide license?
While pesticide license training is normally done cooperatively with URI, DEM will be doing testing only until on-campus classes resume. Testing is available for all pesticide applicator licenses and categories. There is currently no list of dates as of yet, but exams will be scheduled based on demand. Study material can be made available for pick up at DEM’s Agriculture office. For more information on how to take your pesticide license test or to get study materials, please contact Harold.Puckett@dem.ri.gov or Kimberly.Lavoie@dem.ri.gov.
FMCSA Extends Waiver in Response to the
COVID-19 Emergency –
For States, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles
FMCSA has extended, until September 30, 2020, a waiver from certain regulations applicable to interstate and intrastate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and to other interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The Agency has initiated this action in response to the President’s declaration of a national emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Rhode Island Food Policy Council
COVID-19 Links
In response to the spread of COVID-19, the Rhode Island Food Policy Council has aggregated information on available food access and food business resources and opportunities.
CFAP Webinars for Ag Producers
Webinar Dates & Topics:
These FSA Webinars are all completed. Archived webinars may be found at the above link as well as here.
Farm Credit East Resource Hub
Providing information relevant to Northeast Ag and customers of Farm Credit East. Includes information regarding the Paycheck Protection Plan, CARES Act basics, tax planning , payroll, webinars and reports on COVID-19.
Rhode Island Farmers: Become an
authorized SNAP retailer
Rhode Island farmers: you can open a new market for your business while helping your less fortunate neighbors during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn how to apply to be an authorized retailer to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — formerly Food Stamp Program) benefits. This will allow you to accept SNAP benefits at your retail farm stand, CSA, and through home delivery. Click here for the Guidebook.