COVID-19 Information: Agriculture

As of April 8, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., a Stay-at-Home order is in effect for all of Ontario, including Huron Perth. This means that you must stay at home and only go out for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated or for testing), for outdoor exercise, attending school, or for work that cannot be done remotely.

Learn more about the public health measures and restrictions during the state of emergency and Stay-at-Home order.

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:

Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW)
Visit our Temporary Foreign Workers page to learn more about requirements, including protecting workers from COVID-19 and our Sec. 22 order.
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, July 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 (TFW)

Visit our Temporary Foreign Workers page to learn more about requirements, including protecting workers from COVID-19 and our Sec. 22 order.

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, July 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.