The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates on actions taken by farmers and ranchers to protect farmworkers during COVID-19 at its upcoming webinar meeting on Tuesday.

The Board will also hear updates on food assistance programs developed to address the unprecedented need within communities. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via GoToWebinar.

“California farmers, ranchers and farmworkers continue to work during this pandemic to bring food to our tables,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “All of us are concerned with worker safety and are taking the best precautions available to meet the unique needs that our agricultural sector faces both on and off the farm.

"The farm and agricultural community are in this together and are working collaboratively to ensure a safe and equitable work environment as we adapt to the changing dynamics of COVID-19," Ross said.

Invited speakers include: Alexandra Allen, Main Street Produce, Inc.; Amelia Ceja, Ceja Vineyards; Bruce Rominger, Rominger Brothers Farms; Joe Del Bosque, Del Bosque Farms; Milton O’Haire, Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner; Steve Linkhart, California Association of Food Banks, Steve Brazeel, Sun Terra Produce; and Brian Kaiser, California Department of Social Services.

Related:Calif. ag shows strains under virus, shutdowns

“From the fields to the processing plants farmers are concerned for farmworker safety during COVID-19 and are taking action,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “It’s not an easy process, given the nature of farming, but we are adapting and succeeding – following federal/state guidance, implementing social distancing, use of masks, crew rotations, dividers on harvesting equipment and more. As a community we are finding solutions that work and seeking help where we need it.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

Follow the board on twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.