Source: NCDA&CS, 5/18/20


As many of North Carolina’s produce stands and farmers markets geared up for the spring and summer season this year, there were a lot of questions facing farmers and others who operate those markets. This big question about how to operate in the era of COVID-19, led to lots of other questions.

“What should we do?” “What shouldn’t we do?” “How do we go about it?” “Should we wear face coverings?… what about gloves?… and do gloves really help?” “Will we still let customers choose their own produce, or should we only do pre-orders with curbside pick-up or drive-thrus?” “How can we make customers feel comfortable and safe?” “How to do help them follow safety guidelines?”

“Can we keep customers six feet apart?” “Will they understand?” “Should we even try?”

The list could go on. Fortunately, it seems there’s a payoff for farmers (and anyone else who operates a produce stand) who figure out answers. Farm-fresh food may be more popular this spring as people look for food straight from the source. Many food shoppers are also hoping to find a setting that is less crowded than grocery stores. That’s good news for those selling produce at roadside markets or larger markets with multiple vendors. Even the guy selling strawberries from the tailgate of a pick-up truck could benefit from the heightened interest in locally-grown food.

But even the smallest of operations should be taking extra precautions because of COVID-19. Dr. Ben Chapman helped put together and publish some guidance for farm stands. He’s a professor at N.C. State and a cooperative extension specialist in consumer and retail food safety.

For more info, click here.