The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has created a toolkit for farmers and agricultural businesses to help them plan and implement their response to COVID-19.Please note: as circumstances continue to evolve, this toolkit and webpage will be continually updated.

Here are some Federal resources for workers, employees, and drivers being classified as “essential.”  We anticipate most State “shelter in place” orders will mirror this guidance. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Expanded Emergency Declaration FMCSA – Expanded Emergency Declaration Click here for Essential Food…

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Temporary Laborers and H-2A, H-2B, or CW-1 visas Link to the US Department of Labor’s, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Foreign Labor Certification https://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/DOL-OFLC_COVID-19_FAQs_Round%201_03.20.2020.pdf Trucking/Transportation Likely you are aware of the over-weight certificates being granted by many state DOT’s. Well…

In the midst of ever changing and unprecedented times, UPGA wanted to share the most recent intelligence as it applies to Supply Chain COVID-19 guidance. This may be duplicative for some, but we wanted to be sure and share with our members important and helpful…

Q.        I have been contacted by several customers that purchased produce from me requesting extensions to our payment terms or to make partial payments as a result of the economic turmoil relating to the COVID-19 emergency.  I understand the predicament my customers…

ust a brief update on several relevant regulatory changes we have been working on in regard to the pandemic response. In regard to the H-2A program, the State Department provided the following notice last night that should assist in clearing some of the recent bottlenecks.  The…

The WPVGA staff is working remotely and are available to you Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm. Don’t hesitate to contact us at our home offices as follows: Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director  715-551-0775 Dana Rady, Director of Promotions and Consumer Education  715-610-6350 Joe Kertzman,…

We know you’re fielding a lot of information from national and state/regional governments. In the United States, the government has determined that food and agricultural workers, along with food and agricultural supplies, are part of Critical Infrastructure Industries. Their work and these supplies are vital…

DOT Issues National Emergency Declaration for Commercial Vehicles Delivering Relief in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak (HERE) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief in…