UPCOMING WEBINAR: Labor in the Time of Corona: Navigating Farm Employment Law during COVID-19
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
4pm Eastern / 3pm Central / 2pm Mountain / 1pm Pacific
Farmers had enough trouble trying to figure out employment law before the global pandemic. With the coronavirus added to the mix, now farm employers are more confused and concerned than ever. Join us for a webinar discussing employment law in a way that makes sense and provides practical, actionable steps to reduce risk on the farm, especially during these unprecedented times. You will learn all about several COVID-related laws including health and safety requirements on the farm, paid sick and family leave, and relief programs for farm employers. You will also learn the ropes on pre-COVID employment laws such as classifying workers and covering minimum wage, overtime and workers compensation obligations.
Free. Register at this link.
THE LATEST NEWS:
Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness changes in the works
Congress has passed a bill that changes how PPP loan forgiveness works (making it easier), and we are awaiting signature by the Executive branch. As soon as that happens, we'll let you know what it means for our farm and food businesses holding PPP loans.
COVID-19 health & safety regulations on the farm
After a lawsuit and a worker strike, Washington state issued mandatory COVID-19 prevention standards for farms. Mandatory COVID-19 prevention regulations for agriculture just took effect in Oregon on June 1st, including increased sanitation and portable washroom standards. (See our recorded webinar for the details.) This increased burden weighs heavily on farm businesses at a time when things are already so hard. However, an outbreak of COVID on the farm is no joke. As farm work conditions develop nationwide, we'll let you know as other states follow suit. Can you be held liable for the transmission of COVID to customers?
What a scary thought, right? Well, I hope this calms your fears: Basically, no! It’s awfully difficult to trace non-foodborne illnesses back to the farm. Now, this doesn’t mean that safety precautions shouldn’t be taken seriously on the farm because they absolutely should. However, when it comes to legal liability, that’s a different ball of wax. If you’re still not satisfied with this answer, watch Farm Commons’ webinar on Liability for COVID-19 Transmission to Customers of Farm and Food Businesses. Rachel ArmstrongFounder and Executive Director Farm Commons p: NEW PHONE NUMBER: 218 993 3317 ex. 12 | e: rachel@farmcommons.org she/her 2018 Ashoka Fellow, 2012 Echoing Green Fellow Read about us on forbes.com