COVID-19 Information: Agriculture

Last updated: 11:00 am EST, May 6, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertain and challenging times for everyone, including farms, agri-food businesses and food processors. Follow these sources of information:

OMAFRA: agriculture and agri-food industry safety during COVID-19.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture: information and resources on COVID-19.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for the agriculture and agri-food industry

Commodity groups:

Farmers Markets
Find the latest information at Farmers Markets Ontario. Also view the following: Guidelines for Operating Farmers' Markets under COVID-19 Restrictions [PDF]. Huron Perth Public Health, April 2020. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings [PDF]. Public Health Ontario, March 2020. Help prevent COVID-19: poster package [PDF]. Farmers' Markets Ontario, April 2020.
Health and safety guidance
Please see provincial guidance for the agriculture sector.
Mental health
It is normal to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. If you or anyone close to you requires support at this time, visit OMAFRA's Mental Health Kit for Farmers. The OFA also offers resources for mental health and wellness. If your farm business and employees are feeling anxious or concerned about the COVID-19 situation, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) developed a resource specifically for Canadian employers recommending six tips for responding to employee anxiety.
Temporary Foreign Workers
Please see the following information in regards to the TFW program: Employers of Temporary Foreign Workers on Farms Ministry of Health Guidance for Temporary Foreign Workers \| March 31, 2020 Patient Screening Guidance HPPH Self Isolation Plan Checklist Quick Reference Table for TFW Isolation Guideline Daily Health Log Sheet COVID-19 Environmental Cleaning, Disinfecting and Ventilation for TFW COVID-19 Environmental Cleaning Factsheet Cleaning Log FAQ _Logistics Border-Related Labour Questions April 14

Farmers Markets

Find the latest information at Farmers Markets Ontario. Also view the following:

Guidelines for Operating Farmers' Markets under COVID-19 Restrictions [PDF]. Huron Perth Public Health, April 2020.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings [PDF]. Public Health Ontario, March 2020.
Help prevent COVID-19: poster package [PDF]. Farmers' Markets Ontario, April 2020.

Health and safety guidance

Please see provincial guidance for the agriculture sector.

Mental health

It is normal to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. If you or anyone close to you requires support at this time, visit OMAFRA's Mental Health Kit for Farmers. The OFA also offers resources for mental health and wellness.

If your farm business and employees are feeling anxious or concerned about the COVID-19 situation, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) developed a resource specifically for Canadian employers recommending six tips for responding to employee anxiety.

Temporary Foreign Workers

Please see the following information in regards to the TFW program: