COVID-19 Industry resources

The NGFA has compiled resources that may help NGFA-member companies navigating the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19). Several updates from relevant federal agencies are listed below. 

NGFA recommends consulting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization for public health information. 

Contact NGFA by calling 202-289-0873 for staff extensions. 

NGFA's COVID-19 Webinars: 

Federal Resources: State Resources:
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Trucking/FMCSA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Food and Drug Administration
Environmental Protection Agency
Small Business Administration
United States Coast Guard
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
 State List of Contacts for COVID-19 - This document contains both state and local contacts for coronavirus information.

State-by-State COVID-19 Information: The National Governors Association compiled current information on the status of COVID-19 and what actions states/territories have taken to address it.
Department of Homeland Security

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guidance on Identifying Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (Food and agriculture is considered "essential critical infrastructure" sector. Document updated May 19, 2020).

FEMA “Planning Considerations for Organizations in Reconstituting Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic” (April 30)

FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control: Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, stay informed with our updated myth vs. facts related to the federal (COVID-19) response.

FEMA Fact Sheet: Personal Protective Equipment Preservation Best Practices

FEMA Fact Sheet: Addressing PPE Needs in Non-Healthcare Setting

FEMA Fact Sheet: Planning Considerations for Organizations in Reconstituting Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) Dashboard: List of COVID-19 Resources for Private Sector

Periodic Updates:

U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Frequently Asked Questions and USDA Actions to Respond to COVID-19

Food and Agriculture: Considerations for Prioritization of PPE, Cloth Face Coverings, Disinfectants, and Sanitation Supplies During the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 20, 2020)

Memorandum of Understanding Between FDA and USDA Regarding the Potential Use of the Defense Production Act with Regard to FDA-Regulated Food During the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 18, 2020)

USDA announces Coronavirus Food Assistance Program - April 20, 2020

Service Message for the Federal Grain Inspection Service - March 24, 2020

USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak - March 17, 2020 

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator issued an update on agency operations to protect health and safety of employees and customers on March 16, 2020. 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Bruce Summers issued this letter on March 13, 2020.

Trucking/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

FMCSA Emergency Declaration Providing Regulatory Relief - Extended May 13, 2020

Coalition Letter Opposing Motor Carrier Insurance Increase in Senate Highway Bill - July 27, 2020 

Waiver in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency – For States, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles: Issued March 24, FMCSA grants, until June 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).

Expanded FAQs for State Driver Licensing Agencies and Commercial Drivers Regarding Permissible Actions During the COVID-19 Emergency - April 13, 2020

Trucking-related COVID-19 Emergency Announcements by State: The American Trucking Association is tracking the following issues across the 50 states: Closures of state driver license agencies; CDL expiration date extensions; new CLP and CDL issuance / testing restrictions; increased size and weight limits; and parking and rest stop availability.

Restrictions on Crossing Borders with Canada and Mexico (NOTE: Importantly, cross border trade is still allowed, e.g., truck drivers and rail operators): 

Commercial Routing Assistance - With the CRA tool, commercial operators can plan vehicle movements across multiple states quickly, particularly during emergencies.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

COVID-19 Resources: This 8-page document includes listings of COVID-19 resources on workplace safety and health and related topics.

CDC/OSHA "Interim Guidance: Manufacturing Workers and Employers" (May 12, 2020)

How Much COVID-19 Paid Leave Can Employees Take? (May 11, 2020)

OSHA releases new video and poster on how to properly use respirators (May 5, 2020)

CDC/OSHA “Interim Guidance for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers and Employers” (April 26, 2020)

Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus

OSHA Alert: Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

OSHA Safety and Health Topics - COVID-19: This section highlights OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to worker exposure to novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

OSHA Enforcement Guidance Documents on COVID-19

Food and Drug Administration
COVID-19 Update: FDA prepares for resumption of domestic inspections with new risk assessment system (July 10, 2020)

FDA Updates: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions 

Memorandum of Understanding Between FDA and USDA Regarding the Potential Use of the Defense Production Act with Regard to FDA-Regulated Food During the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 18, 2020)

Use of Respirators, Facemasks, and Cloth Face Coverings in the Food and Agriculture Sector During Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

What to Do if You Have COVID-19 Confirmed Positive or Exposed Workers in Your Food Production, Storage, or Distribution Operations Regulated by FDA

Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency (COVID-19) - This guidance document updated March 27 allows the use of corn-based ethanol in the production of hand sanitizer. 

Animal Health & Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): This page includes information and resources available to industry members and consumers on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and animal health and safety.

FDA confirms safety of food supply during pandemic - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 31 hosted an animal food industry stakeholder call to discuss animal food safety and food supply questions related to COVID-19.

FDA issues fact sheet on safely distributing unused human food for animal food use during COVID-19 - March 27, 2020

FDA helps facilitate veterinary telemedicine during COVID-19 pandemic - March 24, 2020

FDA COVID-19 Briefing for Food Stakeholders - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hosted a March 18 stakeholder call to discuss food safety and food supply questions related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
 
FDA Issues Temporary Policy for FSMA Onsite Audit Requirements - March 17, 2020

Environmental Protection Agency

COVID-19 Implications for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program

Fraudulent Coronavirus Disinfectant Claims - EPA Administrator Wheeler spoke with retailers and third-party marketplace platforms to discuss steps to protect American consumers from fraudulent coronavirus disinfectant claims. April 3, 2020.


Small Business Administration

Paycheck Protection Program: An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.


SBA to Make Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic (Ohio Agribusiness Association)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

United States Coast Guard

COVID 19 – Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) Operations - April 3, 2020

Vessel Inspections, Exams, and Documentation - March 26, 2020


Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Information for industry 

 
NGFA COVID-19 Communications

Member Alert: Senate Republicans unveil COVID-19 federal aid proposal - July 28, 2020 

NGFA's COVID-19 Webinar on OSHA guidelines, May 20, 2020: Watch recording.

NGFA's COVID-19 Webinar, April 2, 2020: Watch recording. (View slides only)

Important Message to NGFA Members on Obtaining PPE in Response to COVID-19 - April 21, 2020

Joint NGFA/NAEGA Information for Official Inspection and Weighing Service Providers on Workplace Safety

NGFA urges states to issue new CDLs during pandemic - NGFA urged U.S. governors to adopt measures to allow the issuance of new commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) during shutdowns or reduced operations of state motor vehicle offices in response to the coronavirus pandemic. April 6, 2020.

NGFA, ag supply chain groups urge administration to curtail unfair fees on shipping containers hauling U.S. ag products - NGFA and 79 other associations representing the U.S. food and agriculture supply chain requested urgent engagement from Trump administration officials to ensure the competitive, fluid movement of shipping containers to international markets. April 6, 2020.

NGFA Safety Tips Sheet: Coronavirus Disease 2019 - This Safety Tips Sheet, updated April 7, 2020, focuses on reducing industry impact of COVID-19 by developing continuity of operations plans.

NGFA, ag groups, request all states increase truck weight limits: In a March 30 letter, the NGFA and more than 60 agricultural groups requested each state increase truck weight limits on highways within its jurisdiction to a “minimum harmonized weight” of 88,000 pounds.

NGFA, ag groups, request expansion of hours-of-service exemption for all agricultural haulers during COVID-19 pandemic: In a March 25 letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the NGFA and 53 other agricultural groups urged that the agency grant relief from federal drive time rules for all truck drivers hauling agricultural goods. 

Ag Letter to Governors on Essential Workforce: In a March 24 letter to all 50 state governors, more than 40 agricultural groups, including the NGFA, requested that each state’s response plan reflect the Department of Homeland Security’s designation of the food and agriculture workforce as “essential critical infrastructure.” 

Food Industry Letter to White House, Congress on COVID-19: In a March 18 letter to federal, state and local elected officials, more than 40 groups representing the food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods industries, including NGFA, requested assistance clarifying businesses that are exempt from local gathering bans and curfews.

Other Private Sector Resources

SAMPLE Letter of Access for "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers" 

Responding to COVID-19 in the Workplace FAQ by HUB International - May 4, 2020

Food Industry Guidance on COVID-19 Social Distancing in Workplace - This Guidance was developed by a consortium of organizations representing the food manufacturing industry, and may be useful to grain, feed, processing and export facilities in evaluating their internal company social-distancing policies implemented in response to COVID-19.

Food Industry Recommended Protocols When Employee/Visitor/Customer Tests Positive for COVID-19

What Employers Need to Know About New COVID-19 Leave Entitlements by Timothy M. McConville, president of Praemia Law, PLLC - April 1, 2020.