The state is currently operating under Executive Order 21-11 which allows Minnesotans to begin safely gathering with more friends and loved ones, supporting Minnesota’s small businesses, and visiting large venues.
Do you have general questions about food and agriculture in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic? Email the MDA at: mdaresponds@state.mn.us
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
- Vaccine Employer Toolkit - This toolkit is designed to direct employers to the resources they need to help their workforce get vaccinated safely and efficiently and to provide materials to educate employees about COVID-19 vaccines.
- Presentation to Employers - New Rollout
- Food Processors Vaccine Rollout Discussion (Recording)
The State of Minnesota is committed to the equitable distribution of safe and effective vaccines for protection against COVID-19. As vaccine supply increases and doses become more widely available, opportunities to get vaccinated will expand. Sign up through the Vaccine Connector to receive updates.
The Vaccine Data Dashboard provides daily updated information on vaccine distribution.
General Information
- All critical and non-critical businesses, including farms and farmers' markets, are required to have a COVID-19 preparedness plan. A template is available to assist in creating a plan.
- Updated Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance – Agriculture
- Q&A for Farm COVID-19 Preparedness Plans
- WEBINAR: COVID-19 Preparedness Plans - Workplace Safety
Refer to the Minnesota Department of Health for the latest COVID health and safety resources.
Food and Beverage
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.
- COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Food Processors and Manufacturers
- Food Processing and Manufacturing COVID-19 Best Practices Checklist
- FDA: Temporary Flexibility Policy Regarding Certain Labeling Requirements for Foods for Humans During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Guidelines for Small Minnesota Meat Processing Plants - English | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- WEBINAR: Dairy Plant COVID-19 Preparedness
- WEBINAR: The ABCs of Small Meat Processing Options in Minnesota, or view the presentation slides (PDF).
- MAP: Minnesota Meat Processors
- Farm Winery Alcohol Sales - Minnesota Department of Public Safety: On Sale Liquor Licenses and On Premises Consumption
Farmers and Ranchers
If you need assistance with carcass disposal, call the Carcass Disposal 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 Minnesota Board of Animal Health also has emergency carcass disposal resources on their website.
- Minnesota Board of Animal Health: General information regarding livestock and companion animals and COVID-19
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: 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
The COVID-19 pandemic may be adding to farmers’ financial problems, price and marketing uncertainties, marital difficulties, and social pressures. You can:
- Contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline anytime (call 833-600-2670 or text FARMSTRESS to 898211).
- Visit the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline website for information and resources.
- Reach out to a of Minnesota Farm Advocate who can offer one-on-one help for many kinds of crises (e.g., operating loan problems, mediation, foreclosure, natural disasters).
The Minnesota Rural Finance Authority (RFA) also helps farmers whose operations are affected by COVID-19. New rules mean farmers can access the Disaster Recovery Loan Program if they they experience loss of revenue due to human contagious disease. Visit the RFA Disaster Loan Recovery Program website or contact 651-201-6004.
Other Resources:
- USDA’s Coronavirus and USDA Assistance for Farmers page that provides easy-to-find information about federal help available to farmers.
- University of Minnesota Extension’s Ag Business Management Team offers information as well as help navigating financial assistance programs (including loan and direct payment programs).
- Farmers Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG) has published a A Farmers’ Guide to COVID-19 Relief.
- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has a guide for small businesses (including farms) that need help.
Farmers' Markets, U-Pick Operations, and On-Farm Markets
Refer to industry guidance for food and agriculture businesses on the StaySafe.MN website.
Nurseries and Garden Centers
Refer to industry guidance for food and agriculture businesses on the StaySafe.MN website.
Events
Refer to industry guidance for indoor and outdoor venues on the StaySafe.MN website.
