Source: RURAL MIGRATION, 6/24/20


The Covid-19 virus that shut down large parts of the world and US economy in spring 2020 had both short- and long-term effects on farm workers. Farm and other food system workers were deemed essential and expected to continue to work during the pandemic. Foreign farm workers were also considered essential, and special arrangements were made to ensure that H-2A guest workers could obtain work visas and enter the US despite closed borders. In the short term, the shared goal of governments, employers, and employees is to keep farm and food system workers safe. This means more protective personal equipment, including face masks and gloves, some of which were already required for food safety. Some farmers kept crews of 15 to 20 workers isolated from one another at work and in living quarters so that, in the event of an outbreak, only one group is affected.

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