July 17, 2020

NJ Ag & Health Urge Use of Free COVID-19 Testing For Farm Workers

Earlier this week, NJ Secretary of Ag Douglas Fisher released this attached letter, co-signed by Dept of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, urging all growers with farm labor to take advantage of opportunities to help protect your employees from COVID-19.

As the letter states,

“One program that is being implemented FREE OF CHARGE for all farms is a COVID-19 testing and education program through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and local health departments. Along with free testing, the program provides education and other related support services. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , , ,
July 15, 2020

Worker Protection Standard: Videos for Annual Training of Workers and Handlers

Use Rutgers NJAES Worker Protection website loaded with “Quick-Connect” With EPA’s short term WPS training exemptions for COVID-19,  provide your workers and handlers access to videos they can watch without being disturbed as an alternative to large group training,  These videos can be viewed on a computer or even a cell phone. Make sure that […]
Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With:
July 15, 2020

EPA Releases Guidance on Pesticide Safety Training Requirements During COVID-19

Agricultural workers and pesticide handlers directly support the nation’s agricultural production and food supply and EPA is committed to ensuring they are protected from workplace hazards. EPA has released guidance regarding the annual pesticide safety training requirements outlined in the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) that offers flexibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The […]
Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With:
July 14, 2020

Revised New Jersey Pesticide Regulations — NOW POSTED ONLINE!

The final revisions to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) pesticide regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:30 for the Pesticide Control Code were adopted on April 6, 2020.  Public comments received on NJDEP’s proposed revisions to the regulations were addressed and published in the final rule adoption.  The April 6, 2020 rule amendments to the […]
Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With:
July 8, 2020

Gov. Murphy to Sign Order Requiring Outdoor Face Coverings

As reported at njbiz.com Wednesday morning, NJ Governor Phil Murphy has indicated he will be signing “an executive order mandating that masks or other face coverings be worn outdoors, as the COVID-19 virus surges across the country and the transmission rate creeps up in New Jersey.”

The state currently requires the use of face coverings indoors and at many outdoor businesses, and strongly encourages their use when in crowded public spaces, such as at the beach. The new order will require that masks will have to be worn outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

There are many outdoor operations around the farm. Be sure to plan accordingly with supplies of masks/face coverings for all agricultural workers and harvesters, in addition to planning all field work with adequate space for individuals to keep socially distanced.

For more information on keeping you, your workers and your family safe, be sure to read and implement the recommendations in NJ’s “INTERIM CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) GUIDANCE FOR MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKERS, THEIR EMPLOYERS, AND HOUSING PROVIDERS.”

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,
July 8, 2020

NJDEP Notice: Delayed Processing of Applications and Other Requests Due to July COVID-19 Furloughs

NJDEP Notice posted July 7, 2020. Pesticide information excerpt courtesy of NJAES Please be advised that a large number of DEP staff are required to take intermittent furlough days throughout the month of July. The Bureau of Licensing and Registrations remains committed to assisting the public and will continue to process applications and other requests […]
Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops