COVID-19 Resources

How are you coping with the impacts of COVID-19?

We’ve put together a short form for you to get in touch with us to share your experiences. We appreciate all the hard work and sacrifices that our local food sector is making to ensure that Ontarians have access to local organic food during these uncertain times.

Resources

Below you will find links to information and resources to help you navigate the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will be continually updating this page as things develop and new information becomes available. Thank you to the NFU-O, OFA, COTA, EFAO, COG and the many other organizations who are working tirelessly to serve this sector. And thanks to you: our producers, processors, and service providers who are working hard to keep this province nourished. We see you, we thank you. 

If you have any other resources that you think would be helpful to share with others, please let us know and we can add them to this list.

Last updated: June 15, 2020

Table of Contents

Latest Updates
– Industry Stakeholder Calls with AAFC
– Government Industry Updates
– Labour & Workplace Health and Safety
– Farmers’ Markets and Direct Sales
– Implementation of the Canada Organic Regime
– Farm Support & Relief
– Livestock Issues
– Trade and Supply Chain
Economic Supports
Pandemic Preparedness Resources
Mental Health Resources
Staying Connected
Certification Bodies
Updates from the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA)
Ways to Help

Latest Updates

• COVID-19 ResourcesJanuary 1, 2021
• Federal and Provincial Governments Provide On- Farm Support for COVID-19 Response ActivitiesSeptember 10, 2020
• Applications Open for the Emergency Processing FundJune 19, 2020
• Preparing for Remote Organic InspectionsMay 29, 2020
• Funding Available to Help with Farm Workplace Health & SafetyMay 28, 2020

Industry Stakeholder Calls with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada hosts COVID-19 information sharing calls with stakeholders every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 pm EST. If you would like to participate, please email aafc.roundtable-tableronde.aac@canada.ca.

Industry Updates

• Ontario Ministry of Health updates about the novel coronavirus COVID-19
• Updates from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) re: COVID-19
  • 2020-04-15 CFIA expectations for the prevention of and response to suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 by operators
  • 2020-03-31 Guidance to Meat Slaughter and Processing Establishments on Prevention and Response to Suspect and Confirmed COVID-19 Plant Employees
• Updates from Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) re: COVID-19

Labour and Workplace Health and Safety

Available Funding Supports for Labour and Workplace Health and Safety

• Emergency On-Farm Support Fund: Federal funding program to cover covid expenses. Deadline to apply: February 26, 2021
• Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program: This program has been extended and applications are available now
• Funding for employers of temporary foreign workers to help with quarantine: Deadline to apply June 30, 2020 
• Wage subsidy to hire youth (ages 15-30) in agricultural jobs: Open now as long as funds are available
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Temporary wage subsidy that will cover up to 75% of an employee’s salary on the first $58,700 earned – amounting to up to $847 a week. Funds will be retroactive to March 15. Learn more about how to apply for CEWS.
• Canada’s 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers: Organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 10 per cent of remuneration paid from March 18 to before June 20, 2020. The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). 
• Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program – Producers: Funding available to help with procurement of PPE (personal protective equipment), make workplace modifications, and provide accommodations for isolating workers.

Labour, HR and Workplace Health & Safety Resources

• Looking for essential PPE items like masks, gloves, face shields and hand sanitizer? Check out the Ontario Workplace PPE Supplier Directory.
• Ontario Workplace Safety & Prevention Services:
  • Guidance on Health and Safety for Agricultural Workers
  • Guidance on Health and Safety for Agricultural Supervisors
  • Guidance on Health and Safety for Food Retail Sector
• Ontario Ministry of Health Guidance for Temporary Foreign Workers
• 2020-04-08 Frequently asked questions: Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program regarding COVID-19
• 2020-03-27 Guidance for Employers of Temporary Foreign Workers Regarding COVID-19: This document outlines the expectations for employers of temporary foreign workers from the federal government (shared by COTA).
• Rights and Responsibilities of Farm Employers and Employees from the National Farmers’ Union of Ontario
• 2020-05-01 Recorded webinars to support farm employers during COVID-19 from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC): The first webinar focused on the temporary foreign worker program, while the second covered tools and resources to tap into the local labour force.

Farmers’ Markets and Direct Sales

Available Funding Supports for Online and Direct Sales

• 2020-06-11 Digital Main Street Funding: On June 11, 2020, this $57 million initiative was announced. It is targeted to assist 22,900 Ontario businesses create and enhance their online presence.
• 2020-04-24 Funding available through Agri-Food Open for E-Business – Targeted Intake: The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will help food producers, farmers markets, and other food businesses develop or expand online business channels, providing consumers with greater access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products.

Latest Updates About Farmers’ Markets

• 2020-06-09 Confirmation from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food that Farmers’ Markets are Essential Services: On June 5, 2020, Farmers’ Market Ontario and Sustain Ontario’s Farm and Farmland Network Chairs received a requested letter from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirming that markets have always been included in the Provincial Orders as essential businesses if they are primarily selling food, and that markets can sell more than food products, so long as the majority of vendors are selling food. 
• 2020-04-07 Farmers’ Markets are Considered Essential Services: Update from Farmers’ Markets Ontario.
• 2020-03-27 Letter from NFU in support of farmers’ markets and direct sales: Four Provinces have already approved the continuation of farmers’ markets as of March 24, 2020: AB, BC, NB, & ON. Issues seem to be arising at the municipal and public health unit level. This letter is intended to be useful at all levels. Please share!
• 2020-03-24 Ontario government announces the list of essential workplaces: Food and food supply chain businesses are considered essential services, including markets.
• Updates from Farmer’s Markets Ontario: Farmers’ Markets Ontario is working with the Association of Supervisors of Public Health Inspectors of Ontario (ASPHIO) to develop public safety protocols for Ontario’s farmers’ markets.
  • Modifying Market Operations (from Farmers’ Market Ontario)
• 2020-03-19 Statement from the National Farmers’ Union: The NFU calls for Farmers’ Markets to be considered an essential service.

Resources for Direct Sales

• Public Safety Protocols for Ontario’s Farmers’ Markets from Farmers’ Markets Ontario
• Ontario Workplace Safety & Prevention Services:
  • Guidance on Health and Safety for Curbside Pickup and Delivery Services during COVID-19
• A Guide to Alternative Delivery Systems for Local Producers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: From Purdue University
• Ontario Federation of Agriculture Guide for Direct Sales to Consumers during COVID-19 and Beyond
• CSA Pick-up and Distribution in a COVID-19 Reality: Challenges, Ideas and Strategies from EFAO farmers
• REKO Canada: New co-marketing tool for farms could help you this season. The REKO model is a simple, no-cost and very efficient approach to co-marketing that has been used for years in Finland and generates many millions of dollars in sales annually. Recently it has been picked up in Northumberland County by four groups. Campbellford is underway and Belleville, Brighton and Bowmanville are just about to start.  Questions? Join this Facebook Group, where you can ask questions of Nadia Simard, the volunteer who has so far been coordinating this in Northumberland. She is ready to help you set up. 
• Farmers’ Guide to Direct Sales Software Platforms:  The National Young Farmers Coalition in the US has put together a handy guide reviewing many of the software platforms for direct sales as well as some tips when considering what platform to choose. Not all of these are available in Canada, but some are like Farmigo, HarvestHand, Local Line, Harvie.

Implementation of the Canada Organic Regime

• Preparing for Remote Organic Inspections
• 2020-03-24 Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): Notice to the Canadian organic industry regarding implementation of the Canada Organic Regime during COVID-19 to allow for maximum flexibility.
• Please see below for a further update from the various certification bodies.

Farm Support and Relief

• More economic support resources can be found in the next section.
• 2020-04-21 More Time to Consider Agristability Coverage: The government has extended the deadline to enrol and pay the fee for AgriStability to July 3, without penalty. This gives farmers more time and flexibility to make business decisions and assess their program coverage needs, especially while dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though deadlines have changed, it is best to enrol before July 3 for customers able to do so, allowing time to process applications and do any necessary follow-up.
• 2020-04-02 Agricorp Business Risk Management Programs: Farmers have until June 30 to secure Risk Management Program (RMP) coverage. RMP is designed to help producers manage risks beyond their control, such as when the average market price for a commodity falls below its support level. It includes plans for cattle, hogs, sheep, veal, grains and oilseeds, and edible horticulture.
  • How to apply for the programs and map out your coverage needs

* These are extended deadlines for 2020

• The province has launched a toll-free line to provide support to Ontario businesses with questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
  • Businesses with questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures may impact their operations or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
• 2020-03-24 Ontario Providing Electricity Relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms During COVID-19: For a 45-day period, the government is working to suspend time-of-use electricity rates, holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. The government estimates families will save more than $20 per month, small businesses will save up to $150 per month and farms more than $300 per month.
• 2020-03-23 Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses: The federal government commits an additional $5 billion in lending capacity to Farm Credit Canada – learn more.
  • Q&A with Farm Credit Canada on COVID-19 support.

Livestock Issues

Specific animal commodity groups are working closely with government officials to manage the unforeseen changes to demand.

• 2020-04-28 COTA Update: Industry indicated concern with future meat supply. It noted that in both the United States (U.S.) and Canada there have been closures of meat processing plants. It was noted that without adequate processing capacity between the two countries, there is potential for future meat shortages in Canada.
• 2020-04-22 NFU Press Release: COVID-19 shuts down half of Canada’s beef supply. “The COVID-19 pandemic is revealing many vulnerabilities in Canada’s food system. The excessive concentration of ownership and centralization of beef processing has put the health of workers, the beef supply and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in jeopardy.”
• The CFIA has released a Guidance to Meat Slaughter and Processing Establishments on Prevention and Response to Suspect and Confirmed COVID-19 Plant Employees. While aimed at meat processing facilities, this guidance can also be applied more broadly to other third party establishments.
• Meat & Poultry Ontario Resources

Trade and Supply Chain

• 2020-03-30 Supply Chain Concerns. (Update from COTA) The government continues to work to ensure the supply chains remain open and that the essential food system in Canada remains functioning. There were concerns voiced regarding application of trucking/transportation rules, including hours or work, spring road restrictions, and treatment of drivers. Concerns were also highlighted regarding the “system-wide” nature of how impacts get felt by the food sector, with the closure of the Olymel hog processing plant in Yamachiche, QC. Nine employees were found positive for COVID-19, which caused the company to close its plant. The hog industry in Quebec is now scrambling to find processing capacity for all the displaced animals intended to go this plant.
• 2020-03-26 Border Crossing Challenges. (Update from COTA) AAFC is aware of challenges and delays at the Canada/US border, and is aware of the impact these delays might have on the transport of goods – especially those goods that are perishable or where supply chains rely on expedited deliveries. Watch for an announcement in the coming days of a dedicated 24-hour telephone service for any importers or exporters who are having troubles with shipments getting across the Canada/US border, or where drivers are having difficulties crossing the border with their loads.

Economic Supports

The federal government has announced a stimulus package to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. These measures are delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)– Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.

This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.

If you are eligible for the base subsidy, you may also be eligible for lockdown support if your business location is significantly affected by a public health order for a week or more.

Support for Individuals

• 2020-03-25 New Canada Emergency Response Benefit: This benefit merges the previously announced benefits (the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit) into one, providing approx. $2000/month for up to four months for those who lose pay because of the pandemic.
  • Register online here. Applications open April 6th but people are encouraged to set up an account beforehand with their direct deposit information.
• Income Support for Individuals Who Need it Most
• Flexibility for Taxpayers
• Mortgage Default Management Tools
• Role of Financial Institutions

Support for Businesses

• 2020-04-24 Announcement of Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program: The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50 per cent of three monthly rent payments payable by eligible small business tenants experiencing financial hardship during April, May and June.
• 2020-03-27 Announcement of 75% Federal Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Producers and food processors are eligible to apply to the program but to be a qualifying employer, you must be able to demonstrate a 30% loss in revenue (which will be assessed after the fact). The max subsidy for each employee is $847/week and will be made retroactive to March 15th, 2020. This Global News article explains who is eligible and how to apply.
  • Further consultation about wage subsidies has resulted in the inclusion of individuals and partnerships as eligible employers. Learn more.
• Work-Sharing Program: Income support to avoid layoffs – (ESDC) – If your employees are eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, and your business is suffering a downturn due to COVID-19, you can apply for a work-sharing agreement. The agreement would allow them to work a temporarily reduced work week while receiving EI benefits.
• Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes: Updated deadlines for tax filing.
• Deferral of HST Remittance and Customs Duty Payment: The CRA will allow all businesses and self-employed individuals to defer, until the end of June 2020, any GST/HST payments or remittances that become owing on or after March 27, 2020, and before June 2020. No interest will apply if your payments or remittances are made by the end of June 2020.  
• Ensuring Businesses have Access to Credit
• Supporting Financial Market Liquidity
• Support for tourism operators and SMEs – (Regional Development Agencies: FedDev Ontario, ACOA, WD, CED, FedNor, CanNor) 

Business Loans

• Canada Emergency Business Account: This provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits through their financial institutions. Up to 25% of the loan will be forgiven if repaid by December 31, 2022. To qualify, these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019.  Apply with your financial institution. Q&A available here.
• Stepping Stone Loan (Fair Finance Fund): The Stepping Stone Loan is a short term loan offering meant to help local food and farm businesses thrive and change. It is quick and easy, between $5000 and $10,000 for a one year term, 3.65% interest, with an accelerated application process and full interest and principal repayment at the end of the term. The Fair Finance Fund has loans from 20,000 to 100,000 also available to meet other needs. 
• Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19 – (BDC) – As announced by the Minister of Finance, BDC puts in place additional measures to provide relief for Canadian entrepreneurs.
• Small Business Loan – $10k up to $100K – (BDC) – Online application process; repayable over 5 years; can be used to buy equipment, purchase extra software or hardware, apply for a patent, trademark or other intellectual property protection.
• Working Capital Loan – (BDC) – Get a loan to complement your line of credit in order to boost inventory and take advantage of supplier discounts.
• Purchase Order Financing – (EDC-BDC) – Loans to fulfill large international orders. Get financing to cover up to 90% of the purchase order amount of contracts with international buyers.

Pandemic Preparedness & Response Resources

• Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council: Resources for how to manage the risks of COVID-19 on the farm and farms with employees. The webpage has the latest recommendations, employee management tips, tools, posters, policies, and links to authorities.
• Farm Credit Canada Update your HR plan for COVID-19: Thinking about how you might update your HR Policy in case of an employee outbreak.
• A Guide for Direct Sales to Consumers during COVID-19 and Beyond from Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Guide for planning for the potential impacts of the pandemic on your business.
• Making a Business Continuity Plan (BDC): Business continuity template plans for businesses.

Mental Health Resources

If you are in distress, and need immediate help, consider calling Ontario’s Mental Health Line, ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. Call 24/7 for information and referral. You can also use a chat online, email, and access additional resources from https://www.connexontario.ca.

• The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division has also compiled this useful mental health resource list. 
• 2020-04-02 Ontario Increasing Mental Health Support During COVID-19
• 2020-04-15 Government of Canada connects Canadians with mental wellness supports during COVID-19
• Grain Farmers of Ontario Farmer Wellness Webinar: Anxiety: Dialing it down. Learn the daily behaviours, body habits and thought processes that influence our anxiety levels – and how to influence them to your benefit! 

Staying Connected 

Even though we have to maintain physical distance, there are other ways to stay connected:

• We would love to hear from you and share your stories of how you are managing during this crisis. Fill out this short form, or tag us on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram).
• The Ecological Farmers’ Association of Ontario (EFAO) has moved their events online. Join their webinars or online community meet-ups, including one upcoming about how to manage COVID-19 with your CSA.

Certification Bodies

All certification bodies have issued statements about how they are handling the COVID-19 pandemic, and measures they are taking to ensure continuity of service and your certification status:

• Pro-Cert COVID-19 Virus Pandemic Response Plan
• Ecocert Services During the Coronavirus
• CSI Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
• QAI COVID-19 Update

Updates from the Canada Organic Trade Association

The Canada Organic Trade Association has been in regular communication with AAFC and CFIA about ongoing changes and responses. 

• Results of survey conducted by the Canada Organic Trade Association and impacts on organic sector businesses from COVID-19, summarized in a letter to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
• May 7, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• May 1, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• April 20, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• April 17, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• April 15, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• April 8, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• April 6, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• April 1, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• March 30, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• March 27, 2020 Call with AAFC & CFIA
• March 26, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• March 25, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• March 23, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA
• March 20, 2020 Call with AAFC and CFIA

Other Resources

• Agscape Virtual Camp Experience: The Virtual Camp Experience includes interactive activities that explore food and farming topics such as Local Food, Technology and Innovation, and Indigenous Agriculture. 
• Learn at Home: Online resources for elementary and secondary students to practice math and literacy skills and learn at home.
• Legal Help: Community Legal Education Ontario – CLEO – has just put out a guide to legal issues that arise out of the COVID-19 crisis.

Ways to Help

• Support local organic businesses: If you are an individual looking to buy from local organic businesses, check out our online Ontario Organic Directory. Support them through purchasing their products through their local CSA program, local markets, in stores or online. 
• Buy your seeds online: With many Seedy Saturdays cancelled this month, there are still ways to support local seed keepers across the country including by purchasing your seeds online. Seeds of Diversity Canada has a list of all the seed companies  in Canada. You can also search for seed companies in the Ontario Organic Directory.
• Calling all suppliers – Help Canada combat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): If you are a business that can offer food services or other products, Public Works and Government Services Canada is asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services.
• Submit your innovative solutions to help fight the impacts of Coronavirus: Tell the Ontario government if your business can support virtual mental health services, supply chain monitoring, or financial advice for small businesses to help our COVID-19 response efforts. You must fill out the submission form in one sitting. It takes about 45 minutes to complete.