Monday, November 16, 2020

Province unveils COVID-10 protocols for farm workers

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has unveiled protocols to help protect farm workers from contracting COVID-19.

Joe Sbrocchi, general manager for the Ontario Vegetable Growers marketing board said it “has worked tirelessly to help its members navigate the health, safety and economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. 


“The continued commitment, support and collaborative engagement from the provincial government towards our businesses and workers in the agri-food sector is critical and welcome.”


OMAFRFA said “the objective of the strategy is to collectively ensure that all efforts are made to prevent and contain COVID- 19 outbreaks in agri-food workplaces.


“The actions outlined in the plan will ensure farms protect the health and well-being of agri-food workers while respecting their rights and freedoms. 


“And the plan will protect business owners, their families and their communities, while supporting safe, sustainable, local food production.”


The team that worked on the protocols was the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, Ontario Apple Growers, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, Holland Marsh Growers, Flowers Canada Ontario, Food and Beverage Ontario, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Ministry of the Solicitor General and Infrastructure Ontario.