Learn more about Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation.
Do you have general questions about food and agriculture in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic? Email the MDA at: mdaresponds@state.mn.us
Livestock and Animals
Carcass Disposal and Livestock Permitting
- If you need assistance with carcass disposal, call the Minnesota Board of Animal Health's Carcass Assistance Hotline at 651-201-6041 (this hotline is for livestock carcasses only) to schedule a one-on-one consultation to talk about carcass disposal options, technical guidance, or get connected with contractors for equipment/materials. The Board also has emergency carcass disposal resources on their website.
- You can find general information regarding livestock and companion animals and COVID-19 on the Minnesota Board of Animal Health's website.
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has information for hog producers who may need to hold more livestock on the farm or dairy producers who may need to dispose of excess milk.
Processing
The MDA is working to identify opportunities for livestock owners who need meat processing for a small numbers of animals (5-10) because of plant closures and lost markets. Options include plants that could move from “custom” to “equal to” and federally inspected processors that may have extra capacity. We are also exploring processing options in neighboring states.
If you need animal processing, contact our staff for help.
Jim Ostlie
320-842-6910
Jim.Ostlie@state.mn.us
Courtney VanderMey
651-201-6135
Courtney.VanderMey@state.mn.us
If you are interested in purchasing pork or a pig please contact Pam Voelkel to find a pig farmer that is selling pigs:
Pam Voelkel
Director of Events and Promotions
Minnesota Pork Producers Association
Minnesota Pork Board
151 St Andrews Court, Ste 810
Mankato, MN 56001
pam@mnpork.com
Farmers and Ranchers
Worker Safety
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Preparing for Sick Agricultural Workers and COVID-19 - English | Spanish | Somali | Hmong
- You can find more information about prevention and biosecurity on the Minnesota Board of Animal Health's website.
- The Minnesota Department of Health has information for you and your family.
Stress and Financial Help
This situation is stressful for many, including farmers. The COVID-19 pandemic may be adding to financial problems, price and marketing uncertainties, marital difficulties, and social pressures. You can call the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline anytime at 1-833-600-2670 to speak to someone.
- Visit the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline website for more information and resources
- Reach out to one of Minnesota's Farm Advocates who can provide one-on-one assistance for farmers who face crisis
Assistance from the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) will be available to help farmers whose operations are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New legislation expands the use of funding for the RFA that opens up the Disaster Recovery Loan Program for loss of revenue due to human contagious disease. Farmers interested in learning more about the assistance should visit the RFA Disaster Loan Recovery Program website or contact 651-201-6004.
Other Resources
- The University of Minnesota Extension has compiled a number of financial resources for Minnesota farmers.
- Farmers Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG) has released a A Farmers’ Guide to COVID-19 Relief
- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has a guide for small businesses, which includes farmers, who need help.
- USDA has a central page with information on a wide variety of their COVID-specific resources. This includes resources for loans and safety net programs.
General Employer/Employee Guidance
- CDC: What should I do if an employee is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19?
- Minnesota Department of Health: Resources for businesses and employees
Sales Auctions
- NEW: Guidelines for Conducting Sales Auctions
- NEW: Employer/Employee Health Recommendations for Sales Auctions
Food and Beverages
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food grown in the United States or imported from other countries. However, food safety is important at all times and the MDA helps to ensure that food is produced and sold in a safe manner.Food Makers and Food Establishments
- Reducing Food Waste through Donation The MDA and Minnesota Department of Health have compiled information for food businesses impacted by the dine-in service prohibition to donate surplus food to help your communities.
- NEW: FDA Announces Temporary Flexibility Policy Regarding Certain Labeling Requirements for Foods for Humans During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Download the FDA Summary (Infographic)
- Food Establishment and Cottage Food Producer Guidance
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Frequently Asked Questions about Executive Orders Related to Bars, Restaurants, and Other Places of Public Accommodation
Farmers' Markets, U-Pick Operations, and On-Farm Markets
- The Safe at the Farmers Market Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to Minnesota farmers markets to purchase equipment and supplies to keep markets, vendors, and customers safe and operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Shopping the Farmers' Market During COVID-19 flyer (Digital Version) (Print-Ready Version)
- Guidance for Minnesota Farmers' Markets and Vendors
- Guidance for Minnesota U-Pick Operations and On-Farm Markets
Meat Processors
- Watch our May 8 webinar, The ABCs of Small Meat Processing Options in Minnesota, or view the presentation slides (PDF).
- The AGRI Rapid Response Mini-Grant for Livestock Processing helps processors and certain producers respond to market issues causes by COVID-19.
- Guidance for Small Minnesota Meat Plants
- UPDATED: COVID‐19 Health and Safety Guidelines for the Meatpacking Industry. This document is available in English, Amharic, Hmong, Karen, Laotian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese.
Customers
Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries
- Department of Public Safety – Farm Winery Alcohol Sales
- Production of Hand Sanitizer for Donation or Sale
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on the production of alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy has created a FAQ document with information related to outsourcing facilities compounding and selling hand sanitizer.
Nurseries, Garden Centers, and Community Gardens
- Guidance for Minnesota Community Gardens
- Poster for Community Gardens
- Guidance for Minnesota Garden Centers/Nurseries to implement in order to conduct business under Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-33.
- Expanded Guidance to Include Employee Health and Safety
Your Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed a list of disinfectants approved for use against COVID-19.