The MDA has created and compiled information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and food and agriculture. This page will be updated as information changes.
Learn more about Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation. You can read here about Governor Tim Walz's Executive Order 20-81, which requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings.
Do you have general questions about food and agriculture in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic? Email the MDA at: mdaresponds@state.mn.us
Critical and Non-critical Businesses (including family farms)
NEW: 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.
NEW: Q&A for Farm COVID-19 Preparedness Plans
NEW: WEBINAR: COVID-19 Preparedness Plans - Workplace Safety
NEW: WEBINAR: COVID-19 Preparedness Plans - Serving Food and On-Site Consumption
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.
Farmers and Ranchers
Dairy Producers
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Health and Safety Guidelines for Dairy Farms and Producers - English | Spanish
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Visitor and Employee Health Screening Checklist - English | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- NEW: Dairy Plant COVID-19 Preparedness Webinar
- NEW: Dairy Farm COVID-19 Preparedness Webinar
Worker Safety
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Preparing for Sick Agricultural Workers and COVID-19 - English | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- 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
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.
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
- Guidelines for Conducting Sales Auctions
- 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 Processors and Manufacturers
- COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Food Processors and Manufacturers
- Food Processing and Manufacturing COVID-19 Best Practices Checklist
Food Makers and Food Establishments
- NEW: The Retail Cost-Share Program provides financial assistance to Retail Food Handlers impacted by COVID-19. Funds are available to help purchase equipment and supplies to keep employees and customers safe and operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, to develop safety procedures as they relate to COVID-19, update and retrofit retail locations, and for public education efforts on the need to follow safety procedures.
- 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.
- FDA Announces Temporary Flexibility Policy Regarding Certain Labeling Requirements for Foods for Humans During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Download the FDA Summary (Infographic)
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Food Establishment and Cottage Food Producer Guidance - English | Hmong | Spanish
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Food Safety for Delivery and Pick-up Services - English | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- 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
- NEW: Farm to School Rapid Response Grant for Schools and Farm to School Rapid Response Grant for Food Vendors provide financial assistance to help schools begin, diversity and expand purchasing from Minnesota producers and improve market access to schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- NEW: The Safe on the Farm Direct Marketing Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to Minnesota U-Pick Operations, On-Farm Markets, and Community Support Agriculture (CSA) Farms to purchase supplies and equipment to prepare for safe sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FLYER: Shopping the Farmers' Market During COVID-19 flyer (Digital Version) (Print-Ready Version) | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- COVID-19 Farmers' Market Signage (32"x48") (Digital Version) (Print-Ready Version)
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Guidance for Minnesota Farmers' Markets and Vendors - English | Hmong | Spanish
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Guidance for Minnesota U-Pick Operations and On-Farm Markets - English | Hmong | Spanish
Meat Processors
- Watch our webinar, The ABCs of Small Meat Processing Options in Minnesota, or view the presentation slides (PDF).
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Guidelines for Small Minnesota Meat Processing Plants - English | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- 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
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Customers Best Practices For Reusable Bags and Food Takeout Containers - English | Somali | Spanish
Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries
- Farm Winery Alcohol Sales: Minnesota Department of Public Safety – On Sale Liquor Licenses and On Premises Consumption
- 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
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Guidance for Minnesota Community Gardens - English | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- NEWLY TRANSLATED FACT SHEET: Poster for Community Gardens - English | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
- 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
County Fairs
- County Fair COVID-19 Guidance
- UPDATED: COVID-19 Considerations for Animal Activities at Fairs, Shows, and Other Events
Indoor and Outdoor Seated Entertainment, Recreation, and Shows
Your Health
Governor Tim Walz has unveiled a State of Minnesota COVID-19 dashboard that tracks the virus in Minnesota and provides the latest available data on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing. The dashboard will be updated daily.
For the latest information on COVID-19 and your health:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed a list of disinfectants approved for use against COVID-19.