Resources are available to help the shellfish aquaculture industry and others develop preparedness plans and strengthen response to different scenarios. Information is current on the date posted. Access websites below for up-to-date information.
November 22, 2021
Deadline to Apply for USDA Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program is November 22
The PRS program provides grants to specialist crop producers, food processors, distributors, and manufacturers with COVID-19 expenses by recovering funds used to respond to the pandemic. Although the deadline to apply is in just a few days (11:59 pm Eastern Time on November 22), the application only takes 3 easy steps: 1) Check eligibility, 2) Must have a DUNS registration number (most wholesalers should already have this), and 3) Apply online by estimating expenses associated with workplace safety measures, market pivots, retrofitting facilities, additional transportation costs and other costs. Funding requests range from $1,500 to $20,000. For more details on the type of expenses and to apply, go to https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda. Takes less than 10 minutes to complete the application.
April 2, 2021
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. Businesses that receive a loan subject to the current limits do not need to submit a request for an increase at this time. SBA will reach out directly via email and provide more details about how businesses can request an increase closer to the April 6 implementation date. Any new loan applications and any loans in process when the new loan limits are implemented will automatically be considered for loans covering 24 months of economic injury up to a maximum of $500,000.
This new relief builds on SBA’s previous March 12, 2021 announcement that the agency would extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including COVID-19 EIDLs, until 2022 to offer more time for businesses to build back. In order to shift all EIDL payments to 2022, SBA will extend the first payment due date for disaster loans made in 2020 to 24-months from the date of the note and to 18-months from the date of the note for all loans made in the calendar year 2021.
Questions about SBA COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loan payments can be emailed to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or directed to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.
USDA Farm Service Agency accepts new and modified CFAP 2 applications
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin providing additional financial assistance to farmers and producers impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions. Resources for these payments were approved by Congress in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The original application period for CFAP 2 was September 21 through December 11, 2020. USDA will reopen CFAP 2 signup for all eligible producers beginning April 5, 2021. A deadline for signup will be announced at a later date. Aquaculture eligible for CFAP 2 includes molluscan shellfish. FSA has updated the CFAP 2 payment calculation for aquaculture commodities to account for crop insurance indemnities and payments through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Aquaculture producers who applied during the CFAP 2 sign-up period that closed December 11, and received insurance indemnities or NAP payments for the 2019 crop year, should contact their local USDA Service Center to modify their CFAP 2 applications. Insurance indemnities and NAP payments will be factored in for any aquaculture farmers applying for CFAP 2 for the first time when the application period opens on April 5. Visit farmers.gov/cfap/apply to learn more about modifying your existing CFAP 2 application or submitting a new CFAP 2 application.
Aquaculture assistance funding provided by the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act
NOAA Fisheries announced the allocation of $255 million in fisheries assistance funding provided by the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act to states and territories with coastal and marine fishery participants who have been negatively affected by COVID–19. NOAA Fisheries will use these allocations to provide additional funds to their partners—the interstate marine fisheries commissions—to disburse funds to address direct or indirect fishery-related losses related to COVID-19. According to the NOAA website, privately owned aquaculture businesses growing products (including all molluscan shellfish) in state or federal marine waters, and the hatcheries that supply them, are eligible for assistance. Participants eligible for funding should work with their state marine fisheries management agencies (in Florida that will be the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to understand the process for applying for these funds. More information can be found on the NOAA Fisheries website.
January 21, 2021
USDA FSA Modifies CFAP 2 with Additional Assistance
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has updated the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 2 payment calculation for aquaculture commodities to account for crop insurance indemnities and payments through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). This more accurately represents what a grower would have marketed if not for a cause of loss. CFAP payments to aquaculture growers are now calculated using the grower’s eligible sales in calendar year 2019, and crop insurance indemnities and NAP payments for crop year 2019 multiplied by the applicable payment rate. This may mean a higher payment.
Aquaculture growers who applied during the CFAP 2 sign-up period that closed December 11, and received insurance indemnities or NAP payments for the 2019 crop year, should contact their local USDA Service Center to modify their CFAP 2 applications. Producers can make modifications between January 19 and February 26, 2021. Visit farmers.gov/cfap2/apply to learn more about modifying your existing CFAP 2 application.
January 1, 2021
CARES Act Application Status
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), through NOAA Fisheries, is managing the CARES Act relief program for the Florida fishery and shellfish aquaculture industries. CARES Act applications were mailed in mid-December. If you are a certified shellfish aquaculturist and have not received your application, please email FWC at CARESAct2020@MyFWC.com. In the email, include your name, mailing address, and phone number. The deadline to submit CARES Act applications is January 30, 2020. Any application postmarked or received through email after January 30, 2020, will not be accepted.
The self-certified application requires sales revenues of farmed bivalve shellfish, including hatcheries and nurseries, for the months of January through May during 2015-2019. Sales reductions during the same time period in 2020 must be greater than 35% of the 5-year average to be eligible for financial assistance. You can stay up to date with the CARES Act project here: https://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/caresact/. If you have any other questions about the application, contact FWC at CARESAct2020@MyFWC.com.
November 20, 2020
Deadline to apply for CFAP-2 is December 11
The deadline for the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP2) COVID19 relief program that may be beneficial to the shellfish aquaculture industry is upcoming – December 11, 2020. The best way for producers to connect is to go to the CFAP2 website, call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance, or check with your USDA Farm Service Agency county office, https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=fl&agency=fsa.
November 3, 2020
USDA presents webinar on CFAP-2
Join Farm Credit East and USDA Farm Service Agency representatives for a discussion of the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) focused on specialty crop producers, including shellfish aquaculture. The webinar will be held on Friday, November 6 at 11 am. Key details applicable to operations involved, such as eligibility requirements, payment limitations, required records, application procedures and payment rates will be reviewed for each commodity.
This webinar is free to attend. Visit FarmCreditEast.com/Webinars to register, or contact Chris Laughton at (800) 562-2235 or Chris.Laughton@farmcrediteast.com for more information. CFAP 2 applications are open through December 11, 2020. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information or to apply.
October 5, 2020
Third Quarter COVID19 Economic Impact Survey
In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Ohio State University and Virginia Tech are continuing to collect information about how your farm or business has been affected by this pandemic. This effort is being repeated quarterly to capture the evolving impacts of coronavirus disease on U.S. aquaculture. Please participate in each of the quarterly national surveys during this year even if you have not been negatively affected; that will ensure results are reflective of what is really happening in the industry. This link is for the Quarter 3 survey, covering the period from June 30th, 2020 to September 30th, 2020: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b1m0jYRZbgZeRLv
This survey should take about 25 minutes of your time to complete. No personally identifiable information will be collected and all data from this survey will remain anonymous. Participation in this research survey is voluntary. The survey will close at 11:59 pm (eastern time) on October 23rd, 2020.
Results from the Quarter 1 & 2 survey are available at: https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/virginia-seafood/research/Impacts_of_COVID19.html
September 18, 2020
USDA Providing Pandemic-Related Assistance to Shellfish Growers (NEW!)
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Aquaculture species eligible for CFAP 2 includes any aquatic organisms grown as food for human consumption, fish raised as feed for fish that are consumed by humans, and ornamental fish propagated and reared in an aquatic medium. Eligible aquacultural species must be raised by a commercial operator and in water in a controlled environment. This includes molluscan shellfish and seaweed that was previously covered under the U.S. Department of Commerce NOAA program.
Clarification on the CFAP 2 program provided by the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association includes: 1) amount of payment will be based on 2019 sales of food crops (~10%), 2) coverage will include bottom-planted shellfish crops, 3) new growers with no 2019 sales can potentially qualify (check the website for details), and 4) producers of seed or larvae in 2019 should be eligible as long as seed are reared for a food crop (not for restoration).
Sign-up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September 21 and run through December 11, 2020. Additional information on CFAP 2 eligibility for aquaculture, payment details, and emailable application form can be found at the website https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/aquaculture.
August 31, 2020
Impacts of COVID-19 on the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Industry
Like many others in agriculture and aquaculture, Florida’s shellfish aquaculture growers experienced sharp declines in sales revenues as a result of public health measures enacted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program, in collaboration with UF/IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension and FDACS Division of Aquaculture, estimates that the Florida shellfish aquaculture industry lost approximately $1.85 million in sales revenue from March to mid-May of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new report details the data, methods, and results of the analysis of losses.
August 25, 2020
Second RESPONSE REQUESTED: How is COVID-19 impacting your business?
University of Florida/IFAS Extension continues to hear from aquaculture producers as well as marine industry representatives throughout the state about ways the pandemic is affecting their daily work and livelihoods. UF/IFAS is now asking for your assistance. Economists in the Food and Resource Economics Department have just launched the second round of surveys to be completed by those who perform operations within a variety of marine industries, as well as those in aquaculture production, processing, and transportation.
The surveys are designed to encompass all key facets of these sectors’ operations.
- Agriculture and aquaculture production, processing and transportation survey
- Commercial fishing survey
- Charter/for-hire operations survey includes for-hire fishing operators (charter, head boat, and guide), dive charter operators, and sightseeing charter operators.
- Seafood wholesale dealers survey
- Marine recreation support businesses survey includes businesses involved in boat rentals, boat repairs, wet and dry boat storage, and bait and tackle retailing.
Your participation in the survey(s) is strongly encouraged. The survey is anonymous, and your participation is voluntary. If you have business interests that correspond to multiple surveys, please respond to all appropriate surveys so accurate industry information can be obtained. The information provided will help assess the larger economic impact of COVID-19 on the marine and aquaculture industries. This information could be vital to informing policymakers decisions and establishing a roadmap for moving forward.
You can hover over the images below and click to go to the surveys
July 14, 2020
Second Quarter COVID19 Economic Impact Survey
The National Aquaculture Association requests that aquaculture farms and businesses participate in the COVID-19 economic impact survey being conducted by economists with Ohio State University and Virginia Tech. They are collecting information about how your farm or business has been affected by this pandemic. This effort is being repeated quarterly during 2020 to try and capture the evolving impacts of coronavirus disease on U.S. aquaculture. Even if you have not been negatively affected, that data is important to capture the full effects of pandemic management efforts. Click on this link to the Quarter 2 survey, covering the period from April 10th to June 29th, 2020, https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Ue13Pmb6khonA1. This should take about 25 minutes to complete. No personally identifiable information will be collected and all data will remain anonymous. Participation in this research survey is voluntary. This survey will close at 11:59 pm (eastern time) on July 17, 2020.
Results from the Quarter 1 survey are available at: https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/virginia-seafood/research/Impacts_of_COVID19.html. If you would like a copy of the summary results or have any questions, contact: Jonathan van Senten – jvansenten@vt.edu or Matthew Smith – smith.11460@osu.edu.
CARE Act Update: Florida’s Spend Plan Proposal
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorized the Secretary of Commerce to provide economic assistance to marine and fisheries-related businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those eligible for assistance include commercial fishers, marine aquaculturists (clam and oyster growers), wholesale dealers (including shellfish dealers), and charter businesses, who can document a revenue loss greater than 35% from January through May of 2020 compared to the average of the same period in the previous 5 years. Entities that have been in business less than 5 years are still eligible for funding.
Florida was notified of an allocation of $23 million, which will be administered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) just released a draft of Florida’s plan, which can be reviewed here. The ASMFC will be writing checks later in the year to qualified applicants with information provided by FWC. It is important that license and certificate holders update their addresses kept on file with FWC or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) if needed. The FWC website contains information on how to update licensees’ contact information.
For more information or to provide suggestions on the plan before it is finalized, email CARESAct2020@MyFWC.com.
June 12, 2020
Direct Marketing Webinar
This webinar features industry guest speakers with experience in direct marketing efforts from ME and MI, as well as Sea Grant extension professional from CA and LA. They will each be providing a brief overview of their experiences with direct marketing and how COVID-19 has challenged or changed their activities and/or presented new opportunities for growth or innovation in their direct marketing efforts.
June 15, 2020: 3:00pm EST
Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m3DEVvS0RUKaFqtQv3_NbQ
June 1, 2020
Clarification of Eligibility for the USDA CFAP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce to clarify what aquaculture companies could be covered under their respective CARES Act programs so there is no redundancy. The FAQ and Federal Register provide some clarity for the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
To summarize for shellfish growers, Commerce will currently cover privately owned molluscan shellfish aquaculture businesses growing products in state or federal marine waters of the US and the hatcheries that supply them under CARES Act Section 12005.
Click here for additional information about Commerce’s allocation of CARES Act funding.
May 14, 2020
Online Selling of Agriculture Products Webinar
Tactical tools, new research from Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement (CREE), and platforms for setting up e-commerce for businesses will be provided through a webinar to be held on Thursday, May 21 at 3 pm EDT. Register for free now at https://bit.ly/2yST82I. A recording will be made available after the webinar.
A new blog post on the CREE online learning resource includes ways to sell online and in person for touchless transactions during this time of COVID-19. The direct link is https://ruralengagement.org/2020/04/22/touchless-transactions-e-commerce-guidance-for-rural-business-managers-considering-online-sales/
May 13, 2020
Steps to Selling Farmed Shellfish Retail
A step-by-step guide has been developed by the FDACS Division of Aquaculture informing certified shellfish growers of the requirements involved in selling their cultured clams or oysters direct. Download the retail sales document here.
May 8, 2020
Impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. aquaculture: Quarter 1 Results
To address the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry, a study was launched by Virginia Tech and Ohio State University Extension to assess the impacts of the coronavirus disease on U.S. aquaculture, aquaponics, and allied businesses. This fact sheet summarizes the first quarter survey results.
May 5, 2020
Farmers Can Now Apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced on May 4th that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. The EIDL portal reopened as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. Only agricultural businesses, including aquaculture, are eligible to apply through the reopened EIDL portal. Eligible businesses can apply for the EIDL loan here. For farmers who submitted an EIDL application prior to this change, the SBA will continue to process these applications; there is no need to apply again. All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. This expanded access for agriculture to the EIDL program is in addition to existing access for farmers to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, which can be applied for here. For more information, visit www.SBA.gov/Disaster-assistance
April 28, 2020
Recording of E-Commerce Webinar Available
A recording of the recently held webinar on E-Commerce During COVID-19: Opportunities for Food Producers to Make Direct Market Sales Online webinar is now posted here. Hosted by the Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics and the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association, panelists addressed various topics, including USDA resources, online platforms, and business planning, and provided examples of ways farmers have migrated online.
April 24, 2020
CARES Act Tip Sheet for Self Employed Individuals
This helpful and practical document developed by the Sea Grant Law Center helps individuals analyze which one of the CARES Act relief programs might be best for them as the programs re-open upon the President’s signing of the new legislation. There is background information as well as hypotheticals that show how the formulas might work in various income situations. Download the tip sheet here.
Small Business Administration Webinars on PPP and EIDL Programs
In anticipation of the refunding of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering a repeated webinar over the next several days. This webinar will cover the qualifications, terms, and features of each program and briefly cover the application process. Eligible PPP recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount. The EIDL program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million.
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Monday, April 27, 2020 – 9:00am EDT, Registration Required
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Monday, April 27, 2020 – 11:00am EDT, Registration Required
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Monday, April 27, 2020 – 1:00pm EDT, Registration Required
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Monday, April 27, 2020 – 3:00pm EDT, Registration Required
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Tuesday, April 28, 2020 – 9:00am EDT, Registration Required
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Tuesday, April 28, 2020 – 11:00am EDT, Registration Required
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Tuesday, April 28, 2020 – 1:00pm EDT, Registration Required
– Webinar: SBA Economic Resources for COVID-19 Tuesday, April 28, 2020 – 3:00pm EDT, Registration Required
April 23, 2020
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION UPDATE
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has re-organized its web-based information describing programs and opportunities to apply for economic assistance during the pandemic. Currently these programs (Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Disaster Injury Loan) are out of money; however, the US House of Representatives is expected to pass legislation today to refund these programs and the President has promised quick approval.
Coronavirus Funding Options
Click here to learn more about available SBA loan and debt relief options.
Guidance for Businesses and Employers
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For updates from CDC, please see the following:
– Preventing Stigma Related to COVID-19
– Information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention, Symptoms and FAQ
April 20, 2020
E-Commerce Webinar on Direct Market Sales Online
The value of e-commerce for farmers, food gatekeepers and retailers will be discussed as customers are shifting their buying habits overnight to minimize exposure to COVID-19 in a free webinar at 12-1:00 pm EST on April 24. Register by clicking on: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/642939830569822733
Hosted by the Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (C-FARE) along with the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association (NAREA), this webinar will provide information on consumers’ behavioral changes, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service resources available for producers to develop e-commerce sales, various online platforms, the merits of using digital sales strategies, sample innovative aggregated venues online, business planning, and expectations for sales and profitability when approaching new markets. The webinar will conclude with questions from attendees. Those who register but cannot attend will be invited to view a recording of the webinar at a later date.
Oysters for Home Delivery Nationwide
Julie Qiu international oyster expert and founder of In A Half Shell, an oyster appreciation website, has started compiling a list for Oyster Home Delivery. Farmers that are shipping oysters via mail order to customers can submit their information using this form to be added to the list.
April 16, 2020
RESPONSE REQUESTED: How is COVID-19 impacting your business?
University of Florida/IFAS Extension has been hearing from aquaculture producers as well as marine industry representatives throughout the state about ways the pandemic is affecting their daily work and livelihoods. UF/IFAS is now asking for your assistance. Economists in the Food and Resource Economics Department have just launched five surveys to be completed by those who perform operations within a variety of marine industries, as well as those in aquaculture production, processing, and transportation.
The surveys are designed to encompass all key facets of these sectors’ operations.
- Agriculture and aquaculture production, processing and transportation survey
- Commercial fishing survey
- Charter/for-hire operations survey includes for-hire fishing operators (charter, head boat, and guide), dive charter operators, and sightseeing charter operators.
- Seafood wholesale dealers survey
- Marine recreation support businesses survey includes businesses involved in boat rentals, boat repairs, wet and dry boat storage, and bait and tackle retailing.
Your participation in the survey(s) is strongly encouraged. The survey is anonymous, and your participation is voluntary. If you have business interests that correspond to multiple surveys, please respond to all appropriate surveys so accurate industry information can be obtained. The information provided will help assess the larger economic impact of COVID-19 on the marine and aquaculture industries. This information could be vital to informing policymakers decisions and establishing a roadmap for moving forward.
You can hover over the images below and click to go to the surveys
Status of Paycheck Protection Program
The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds have been depleted as of today, so it is no longer operational until Congress is able to replenish funding with no firm timeline on when that is happening.
April 15, 2020
Keep Florida Growing Webpage
The Keep Florida Growing webpage, a one-stop online portal with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was just launched. Florida’s producers can list their farm-fresh products to be found by buyers, food banks, and consumers at the Florida Farm To You commodities list. The page also features information on economic assistance, as well as state purchasing programs for agricultural commodities, and the latest actions FDACS is taking to support farmers, including emergency orders. Florida’s consumers will find convenient access to food-related information. Currently, several clam and oyster aquaculture businesses are listed.
Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
This loan program has been closed and is no longer accepting applications at this time. See http://floridajobs.org/rebuildflorida/businessrecovery and contact the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for more information. A table reviewing the COVID loan programs can be found here; only the two programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are still available.
April 14, 2020
Assistance for Small Businesses
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Small businesses, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
– For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE (Updated 4/2/20)
– If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE (Updated 4/2/20)
– If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE (Updated 4/2/20)
– Borrower Application Form (Updated 4/2/20)
– New Lender Application Form (Updated 4/3/20)
– Lender Application Form (Updated 4/3/20)
– Interim Final Rule (Updated 4/3/20)
– Interim Final Rule on Affiliation (Updated 4/3/20)
– Applicable Affiliation Rules (Updated 4/3/20)
– Frequently Asked Questions *UPDATED 4/13/20*
April 13, 2020
Helping Buyers and Sellers Connect
Various initiatives have been launched in Florida to help sellers and buyers connect under these new circumstances. Some efforts focus on the availability of individual products. Other efforts provide lists or directories of places where consumers can buy local food, beyond the grocery store. A summary of these initiatives is provided here.
An Agricultural and Seafood Availability Notice form was created by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to collect information on available products. Product suppliers can submit individual commodities they have available, and FDACS is posting the information on their Florida Farm to You website.
April 9, 2020
Overview of Disaster Assistance Programs Benefiting Florida Small Businesses
Florida Sea Grant has created a helpful summary table that provides background information on the various assistance programs that are available for Florida’s Small Business owners.
Webinar:
April 9, 2020
Overview of Disaster Assistance Programs Benefiting Florida Small Businesses
Florida Sea Grant has created a helpful summary table that provides background information on the various assistance programs that are available for Florida’s Small Business owners.
Webinar: Aquaculture Farm Financial Management During the Pandemic
Practical considerations and suggestions on managing cash flow difficulties for aquaculture farm
Practical considerations and suggestions on managing cash flow difficulties for aquaculture farms and businesses were presented by Dr. Carole Engle on March 3, 2020. Dr. Engle’s Presentation (pdf) and Fact Sheet are now available. The National Aquaculture Association (NAA) and NOAA Sea Grant have provided a link to view and download the recorded webinar. View it here.
April 8, 2020
Florida SBDC Facebook Live Event
Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network CEO Mike Myhre will be presenting an overview of the U.S. SBA’s disaster loan programs available in Florida. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/530307404353295/ to join the Facebook Live Event on Thursday, April 9th at 2:00 pm EST.
April 7, 2020
Direct-to-Consumer Sellers and Online Markets for Florida-Grown Foods
A list of farms, businesses, and online markets selling Florida-grown food directly to final consumers is being developed by UF/IFAS and FDACS. Complete the online form to be added to a directory of sellers. This information will be made public to help consumers find local and online options for purchasing Florida-grown food during the market disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Webinar: Local Catch Network’s Resources
LocalCatch.org is hosting a FREE webinar on Wednesday, April 8 at 12 PM ET (9 AM PT) to hear from government officials and other technical assistance providers about resources for the seafood industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Go to https://localcatch.org/webinars/ to register.
Webinar: Paycheck Protection Program
Farm Credit East offered a webinar on March 6, 2020, explaining the Paycheck Protection Program, how the program could assist your businesses, and what size loan you may qualify for. The presentation (pdf) and video recording are now available.
Paycheck Protection Programs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has developed a frequently asked question factsheet for interpreting the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program.
April 3, 2020
Paycheck Protection Program Opens Today for Applications
The US Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration have posted new and revised information to assist applicants for the Paycheck Protection Program. Applicants can apply to qualified lenders starting today.
Paycheck Protection Program Resources
– SBA Paycheck Protection Program website
– Department of the Treasury CARES Act website
Following are a few comments from Mark Yarick with the Florida Small Business Development Center at their north central Florida office. “This program is being handled by local banks. I would encourage growers to leverage their commercial contact at the bank they use. It seems like every bank has different procedures – some are looking for tax returns, income statements, etc. and others are looking for proof of payroll. That is why applicants need to check with their bank for specific requirements. The program is a loan that is 100% guaranteed by the SBA. They say that they will forgive the loan if all of the money is used to pay and retain employees – so they will essentially be paying your employees for a couple of months.” If you have any questions, contact Mark at 386.362.1782 (phone) or mark.yarick@unf.edu (email).
April 1, 2020
SBA Bridge Loan Program: Paycheck Protection Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is committed to helping bring relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations suffering because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Resources include COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Overview, Lender Information Sheet, PPP Borrower Sheet, North Florida District Office (NFDO) Participating Lender List by County, South Florida District Office Participating Lender List. For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
Webinar: Aquaculture Farm Financial Management During the Pandemic
The National Aquaculture Association (NAA) and NOAA Sea Grant are hosting a free webinar on Friday, April 3rd at 3:00 pm EDT. Dr. Carole Engle will present some practical considerations and suggestions related to managing cash flow difficulties on aquaculture farms and businesses. To join the webinar visit: https://zoom.us/j/226783472 or call +1 646 876 9923 US (New York).
March 31, 2020
Guidance on Alternative Markets for Cultured Oysters and Clams
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and bars across the nation have closed. Since these are the major outlets for Florida’s cultured molluscan shellfish, sales have been greatly affected. There are alternative markets (for example, seafood retail, individuals, farmers markets) that can be explored by shellfish wholesalers. Growers may also consider these options by following guidelines provided in this fact sheet compiled by UF/IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension and FDACS Division of Aquaculture.
Florida Farm Bureau COVID-19 Resources Conference Call
Please join Florida Aquaculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick for a Tele-Town hall on April 2, 2020 to discuss Florida Agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, contact Adam Basford at adam.basford@ffbf.org. To view the flyer click here.
Small Business’ Guide to the COVID-19 Economic Relief Package (the CARES Act)
Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist business owners and their needs. The Small Business Guide by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship provides information on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Protection Program loans, Small Business Debt Relief Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Economic Injury Grants. In addition, the Small Business Guide and Checklist by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides additional information to frequently asked questions.
March 30, 2020
OPTIONS FOR ONLINE SALES OF LOCAL FOODS
A free webinar by Ohio State University that provides some options on how to serve your customers through online sales. Note that sales of molluscan shellfish (clams, oysters) require additional refrigeration, tagging, and handling requirements.
When: March 31, 2020 12:00-1:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Join the webinar at go.osu.edu/AgMadness and click on Enter the Arena.
THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION (JBF)
The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to work with chefs and other America’s food culture leaders. Below are helpful resources.
JBF Food and Beverage Relief Fund
Provides micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need.
JBF Industry Support Learning Series
Starting Monday, March 30 and continuing every day at 2:00 P.M. until further notice, a 50-minute webinar and conversation will be hosted on topics including Social Media During COVID-19 and Demystifying Government Relief Programs
March 25, 2020
FDACS Boat Ramp Access for Commercial Aquaculture Farmers
Shellfish farmers who present a current Aquaculture Certificate of Registration are essential workers and should be authorized to use boat ramp facilities that are otherwise closed to the general public. This Letter provided by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) can be used to gain access.
Production and Shipment of Supplies Related to Critical Infrastructure Certificate
This example of a re-entry certificate provided by Florida Farm Bureau Federation can be tailored for shellfish growers and wholesaler needs.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey
Information provided in this survey will be used to determine damages related to disaster impacts in Florida, and does NOT serve as an application for resources.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
This program can provide up to $50,000 in bridge financing with a one year term at 0% interest. The website can walk people through the application process and has additional links to other programs available.
Information provided for those that have lost their job due to COVID-19.
FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA)
FSA provides a guidebook that simplifies information on the types of farm loans available; how to apply, what you can expect once you submit your application, and your rights and responsibilities as an FSA customer. Click here to access the guidebook.
SBA OFFICE OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE CONFERENCE CALL: March 26th
The National Aquaculture Association (NAA) is hosting a conference call with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Assistance. The purpose of the call is to provide information for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and provide information about other SBA economic disaster assistance programs. The conference call will occur: Thursday, March 26th, starting at 2:00 pm eastern. If you have any questions, contact the NAA Office at naa@thenaa.net.
March 24, 2020
INDUSTRY IMPACT SURVEYS
In response to the coronavirus disease, several organizations are collecting information about how your farm or business has been affected by this pandemic. Results will be used to identify and prioritize resources that may be of benefit. Impacts will also be communicated to public and private decision makers. All data will remain anonymous and participation is voluntary.
National Aquaculture Association Survey
This survey will close at 11:59 pm EDT on April 10, 2020. If you have any questions, contact Matt Smith, smith.11460@osu.edu, or Jonathan van Senten, jvansenten@vt.edu.
National Sea Grant Survey
If you have any comments or questions, contact Beth Walton with Oyster South, beth@oystersouth.com.
March 20, 2020
Per the FDACS Division of Aquaculture, limited routine water sampling of shellfish harvest waters will continue and will transition to and maintain mission critical sampling as conditions allow. Call 850-617-7615 or email Jillian.Fleiger@FDACS.gov for questions.
COVID-19 fact sheets provide science-based information on topics ranging from food safety, and preventative means for food-related businesses to coping with financial stress.
March 19, 2020
FL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
The Department (FDACS) has created a webpage with resources for consumers and farmers.
The National Fisheries Institute provides responses to specific seafood safety questions as well as four simple talking points.
SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN PROGRAM
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses, including aquaculture, suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus. For more information, call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
The most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Florida is provided. The Florida Health call center is available 24 hours per day at (866) 779-6121. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@FLHealth.gov.
U.S. CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
The most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in the U.S. is provided. The CDC call center is available 24 hours per day at (800) 232-4636. Inquiries may also be emailed to CDC-INFO.
The Department has created guides based on information provided by the CDC including Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees infographic and Customizable Workplace Flyer.
March 17, 2020
FDACS Shellfish Harvester and Aquaculture Training Courses – Online Only
The workshops and in-person shellfish harvester training courses offered by the FDACS Division of Aquaculture and UF/IFAS to assist commercial shellfish harvesters, aquaculturists, and authorized users complete the annual Training have been cancelled. The required annual training can be completed online by logging into LearningmyFWC.Remote-learner.net/login/index.ph
