Dear Members,
Today was another eventful day as the State and Federal governments try to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. CCM staff, along with other agriculture organizations, have been working on getting guidance from the State that includes the agriculture supply chain as providing an essential service. This guidance will come from the California Department of Food and Agriculture tomorrow. We also signed onto a letter to the Governor asking him to issue a resolution to the same effect. The Federal government has already issued a memorandum stating the food supply is critical infrastructure. Statewide guidance would be helpful to combat the county by county and now city by city shelter in place ordinances that are popping up. In preparation for potential shelter in place ordinances, CCM recommends all members provide their employees with a letter stating that they are an employee of an essential business. A sample letter is here. We have heard reports that some employees have been stopped in the bay area on their way to and from work and asked to return home. We recommend every employee keep the letter on them while moving to and from work.
Below you will find updates to state and federal legislation. We are continuing our discussions with elected officials and emphasizing how companies are addressing employee protections and well being while still being able to meet consumer demands. We will continue to update you as things change. Please visit our website for all our prior notices. Please don’t hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or issues that come up in the field.
Sincerely,
Casey Creamer
President/CEO
