Dairy farmers across Pennsylvania are facing hardships as a result of COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the commonwealth. The Department of Agriculture, milk cooperatives, and the charitable food system have been working to make milk and dairy products more accessible, especially to those who have lost income and jobs.
Resources and information for dairy farmers:
- USDA Approval for a COVID-19 Disaster Food Distribution
- Governor Tom Wolf received USDA approval to make more food available in food banks and food pantries without the usual federal proof of eligibility.
- Governor Tom Wolf received USDA approval to make more food available in food banks and food pantries without the usual federal proof of eligibility.
- The International Dairy Foods Association
- The International Dairy Foods Association has assembled helpful guidance on Small Business Loans, Tax Incentives, Benefits to Workers, fact sheets and webinars to help dairy farmers navigate these new programs and offerings.
- The International Dairy Foods Association has assembled helpful guidance on Small Business Loans, Tax Incentives, Benefits to Workers, fact sheets and webinars to help dairy farmers navigate these new programs and offerings.
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- U.S. Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) released an interim final rule on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Agricultural producers, including small dairy operations, are eligible to participate in the program and should reach out to their bankers and/or agricultural lenders to apply immediately.
- Loans will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and producers are able to begin the application now. Borrower applications can be found at home.treasury.gov.
- American Dairy Association North East (ADANE)
- ADANE is working at the retail level to stop retailers from limiting milk sales. If you see a store that is limiting milk sales (in PA, NY, MD, DE, NJ or north east VA) please take a picture, note the location, date and time and send to Beth Meyer bmeyer@milk4u.org.
- ADANE is working at the retail level to stop retailers from limiting milk sales. If you see a store that is limiting milk sales (in PA, NY, MD, DE, NJ or north east VA) please take a picture, note the location, date and time and send to Beth Meyer bmeyer@milk4u.org.
Additionally, dairy farmers are encouraged to record any milk disposals to help claim any federal government aid that becomes available.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will continue to seek solutions to supply chain challenges in partnership with the private sector as we continue to work together to slow the spread of Covid-19.
We encourage dairy farmers and professionals to follow COVID-19 Farm Guidelines.
Updated 4/7/20