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Agriculture Essential Businesses Update

The NYS Dept. of Ag & Markets has posted updates for essential businesses that include forest products businesses.

  • Food producing farms, fisheries, operations that care for animals, farmers’ markets, food and beverage manufacturers/processors, grocery stores, retail food stores, food pantries, food banks, gas stations, and convenience stores are exempt from the state’s guidance for workforce reduction.
  • Businesses and vendors supplying goods and services to these essential industries, such as agri-businesses and operations supporting animal health, are also exempt. These businesses are exempt because they are essential food supply chain and related industries. They can continue to operate with their full workforce.
  • Forest products businesses, including those involved in forestry operations, logging, manufacture of lumber and paper products, and the distribution of those products are essential and exempt from the State's guidance for workforce reduction.
  • Horticulture operations have been deemed essential and are exempt.

Learn more on the Coronavirus page on NYS Dept. of Ag & Markets.