Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last Updated: 3:00 pm, May 21, 2021

What You Need to Know

Reopening

Industry partners should refer to the NY Forward Reopening Reference Guidance, Implementing CDC Guidance, and the applicable New York Forward Guidance for the most up-to-date COVID-19 requirements. The guidance set forth below should be read in conjunction with the NY Forward Guidance. The Department guidance in no way supersedes the requirements set forth by NY Forward and any conflicting provisions should be read in favor of the NY Forward guidance.

Learn more about New York's reopening plan and the agricultural industry:

The Department is continuing to monitor developments related to COVID-19, and we will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.

Everyone should continue to practice social distancing and proper hand washing and sanitizing of their facilities.

Vaccination

All New Yorkers age 16 and older are now eligible for the vaccine.

When eligible, those interested in receiving the vaccine must obtain an appointment to do so. To obtain an appointment you must call the COVID-19 vaccination hotline (1-833-NYS-4-VAX) or visit https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.

For further information on the vaccine, please visit ny.gov/vaccine.

Resources

Food Retail Businesses

The food retail business guidance posted here should be read in conjunction with the NY Forward Guidance. The Department guidance in no way supersedes the requirements set forth by NY Forward and any conflicting provisions should be read in favor of the NY Forward guidance. For more information, please see the “What You Need To Know” section at the top of this page.

Resources

Farmers and Farmworkers

COVID-19 Prevention Tips for Farmworkers

Read COVID-19 prevention tips for farmworkers.

Guidance for Prevention and Response of COVID-19 at Farms

Incorporate these procedures to prevent and respond to COVID-19.

A farmer standing in a field wearing a mask.

COVID-19 Operator Checklist for Farms

Follow this checklist to ensure you are following required protocols.

Agritourism Facts and Frequently Asked Questions

Read COVID-19 guidance for agritourism businesses.

Guidance for Farm Equipment Auctions

Farm equipment auctions are permitted with restrictions.

Resources

Horticulture and Landscaping Businesses

The horticulture and landscaping guidance posted here should be read in conjunction with the NY Forward Guidance.

The Department guidance in no way supersedes the requirements set forth by NY Forward and any conflicting provisions should be read in favor of the NY Forward guidance. For more information, please see the “What You Need To Know” section at the top of this page.

Guidance for Horticulture

Resources

Animal Care

The animal care guidance posted here should be read in conjunction with the NY Forward Guidance. The Department guidance in no way supersedes the requirements set forth by NY Forward and any conflicting provisions should be read in favor of the NY Forward guidance. For more information, please see the “What You Need To Know” section at the top of this page.

Resources

Charitable Organizations

Nourish NY

Nourish NY is rerouting surplus agricultural products to populations who need them most through New York's network of food banks.

Learn More

Drive-Through Events

If you are interested in hosting a charitable food drive-through event in response COVID-19, please read the guidance below.

Guidance for Drive-Through Events

Resources

COVID-19 Testing for Seasonal Agricultural Workers

We are pleased to announce that the Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Health, and Labor are partnering with local health departments and our community health partners to offer free COVID-19 testing to agricultural workers. Those interested in this opportunity should work with their local health department or community health partners to find out about testing availability in their area.