This is your COVID-19 member resource. Check back for updates as developments unfold.
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A MESSAGE FROM LAND O'LAKES PRESIDENT AND CEO BETH FORD
As we move through this time together, I want you to take pride in the work you do and know that it’s in a category that is considered essential by many local, state and federal leaders. While putting each other’s health first, we are also working hard to ensure member-owners and employees are able to continue working.
Our leadership and the Government Relations team are working hard at the federal and state levels to address concerns related to executive orders, mandatory curfews and restrictions. We are doing our best to play our part in the solution. The work you do every day is important and I thank you for your efforts.
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ON H2 VISAS
Read Secretary Perdue’s response to State Department’s H2 visa decision here.
On April 1, 2020, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification released round 2 FAQs regarding COVID-19. The FAQs address potential issues regarding the H-2A temporary agricultural labor certification program. Read more here.
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DESIGNATION OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN AS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
On March 19, the Department of Homeland Security provided guidance to state and local authorities to designate the entire food and agriculture production chain as critical infrastructure as the country responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This action will help ensure that Americans will continue to be able to find nutritious food on store shelves. It provides much needed reassurance to farmers as planting season gets underway. Go here for the full guidance from the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
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COMPANY-WIDE SAFETY MEASURES
Land O’Lakes’ top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our employees, member-owners and surrounding communities. Land O’Lakes, Inc., is taking the following precautionary steps:
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Updating business continuity plans
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Monitoring inventory levels to ensure adequate supply
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Running ahead on select SKU’s to pre-build inventory
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Performing detailed daily cleaning and disinfecting
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Restricting driver contact to the maximum extent possible
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Barring all non-essential visitors’ access to facilities
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Requiring all non-production employees work from home
- Restricting all meetings and non-essential travel
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IMPLEMENTING SAFETY PRACTICES FOR CRITICAL WORKERS
Here's interim guidance for workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES
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WATCH BETH FORD ON FOX BUSINESS
During these unprecedented times one thing still remains the same: We all must eat. That’s why the work of our nation’s farmers and food supply chain workers is critically important. Watch the interview here.
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HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR WORKER SAFETY
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EMPLOYER RESOURCES SURROUNDING THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT (FFCRA)
New legislation has been passed that requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to comply with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Emergency Family Medical Leave Act (EFMLA) as of April 1st.
Below are a few high-level highlights of the FFCRA changes and corresponding resources for businesses that are impacted. These resources should be used for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or counsel. (HR checklist) ( QA for employers) (Poster-non-federal)
The above information was adapted from resources available through MRA, the former Employers Association, and can be found on their website here.
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
To date, most federal and state orders, mandatory curfews or restrictions have not impacted our ability to operate as agriculture and food has been largely considered essential. We are also actively engaging with state and federal officials and trade associations to get answers for our business units on specific questions.
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COVID-19 FARMER RESOURCES
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RESOURCES FROM THE AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION
Here are some links to information that has been shared on American Dairy Association North East’s social platforms and might be good to share with your network as well:
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RELEVANT EXTERNAL LINKS
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World Health Organization (WHO)
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Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
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NMPF Coronavirus Resources (NMPF)
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National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA)
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Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA)