FARMER SERVICES RESOURCES
Photo credit: Jenna Shea Photography (jennasheamobley.com)
RESOURCE GUIDE FOR FARMERS
The goal of these resources is to best serve the needs of Georgia's farmers and other small producers during the COVID-19 pandemic with the latest news, information, and advice from the Georgia Organics Farmer Services team.
At the button below, you’ll find our comprehensive document with direct links to more resources. The page below is an ongoing resource hub with the information we believe most essential and applicable for Georgia farmers. These resources are updated daily.
WEBINARS & VIDEO RESOURCES
There are now a wealth of webinars and video trainings available, and we recommend tuning in, as able, to learn about creative ways to pivot your farm business, promote your business, and generally navigate this new landscape.
Click below for an ongoing list of webinars and online video courses or trainings; past webinars are often recorded, consult the links for availability.
Georgia Organics Webinar - Thursday, APRIL 23 at 2:00 PM!
Online Platforms: Selecting, Setting Up, and Q&A
Learn what you'll need to set up an online store and listen to the experiences of three Georgia farmers. We will go over a variety of online sales platforms, how different ones meet the needs of different kinds of farms, and some of the pros and cons of certain platforms.
We will also cover some basic information you'll need to get started in your online platform once you've chosen one. We will have a more in-depth discussion on the a few of the most popular platform options, inc. Barn2Door, Harvie, and Squarespace, with farmers who have first-hand experience using them. This webinar will also include a live Q&A with farmers to answer your questions about online stores.
The webinar is FREE, but we do request pre-registration, click below to sign up.
POLICY NEWS
Navigating Operations as an Essential Business
With the recent implementation of Governor Brian Kemp’s statewide shelter-in-place order, we’re tracking updates to help farmers—and anyone working to provide food to Georgians—navigate this new environment as an Essential Business.
Georgia Organics President & CEO Alice Rolls recently took part in a joint call with Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and other industry sector leaders. From this call, we have obtained the official link with details on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, which outlines Food & Ag "essential business" personnel.
Novel Coronavirus Prevention & Control for Farms
Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development has developed a comprehensive summary of Employer Action Steps to ensure you and your team operate safely in this pandemic environment. This includes a helpful list of best practices, health tips, and printable factsheets and posters in English and Spanish suitable for use in the workplace. Click to read more.
DEBT RELIEF & FINANCIAL AID
sba Paycheck Protection Program
Via the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association: Farms and businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for the Small Business Administration’s federal emergency relief program starting April 3. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the massive economic rescue package passed by Congress last week to address urgent needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporated businesses, sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, self-employed individuals, and nonprofits are all eligible to apply for this relief. Congress set aside $349 billion for this program.
To read more about eligibility and the application process, learn more from the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association.
FACT Mini-Grant Applications for Livestock & Poultry Farmers
As we continue to adjust to this new economic landscape, we’ll be sharing relevant opportunities for grants and other ways to support your business. One such opportunity is available from Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT, foodanimalconcernstrust.org). To view further details from FACT click below.
the farmer fund: COVID-19 RELIEF FOR FARMERS
The Farmer Fund was created to support farmers in need with aid specific to natural disasters. COVID-19 is its own natural disaster, and it is certainly an emergency. In response, A coalition of Georgia's local food organizations mobilized quickly to address the need. We are collaborating through the duration of this pandemic to support our farmers through The Farmer Fund. Applications open soon for COVID-19 related relief.
SELLING ONLINE & MARKETING
COVID-19 Direct to Consumer Online Marketplace Subsidies
As several markets and restaurants temporarily close, Georgia shoppers need you more than ever.
Georgia Organics wants to support your speedy transition to an online, direct-to-consumer online marketplace platform. We believe this is an essential tool for your business right now and we’re ready to help you with a guide to get you started and a reimbursement for farmer members who make the transition.
We’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of many of popular platforms on the internet (click button below). These platforms have the tools and technical support (inc. set-up tips and guidelines like this) to get your business up and running in the digital and mobile space. Choose one carefully, sign up, and promote the heck of this transition to every shopper you can.
After you transition to online sales, complete this short survey, and Georgia Organics will provide a $50 reimbursement from the Farmer Fund. More on this below.
You must provide your proof of purchase for the online platform. Please send a digital receipt to porter@georgiaorganics.org.
You also must be a farmer member of Georgia Organics to receive this support. If you are not yet a member and would like to join, click this link to learn more and join.
CHOOSING AN ONLINE MARKETPLACE PLATFORM: COMPARISON CHART of ONLINE SELLING PLATFORMS
We’ve put together a breakdown of some of the top online marketplace options including top features of each. Click here to explore options and determine which platform is right for your business and customers.
from oregon tilth: What to consider when choosing an Online Sales Platforms for Farms Direct Marketing
Oregon Tilth has assembled a comprehensive guide on selecting the right platform for your farm business and has also provided the link to a helpful webinar for “Online Sales Platforms for Farmers.” We highly recommend consulting the information they have compiled! Click here to learn more from Oregon Tilth.
reimbursement process for farmer members
To lessen the burden of this transition, we're offering $50 reimbursements for Georgia Organics Farmer Members (click to join) to help cover the cost of a membership/subscription to an online marketplace. After you’ve activated your online marketplace, please follow the steps included here to receive your reimbursement:
become a part of our good food guide
We have another opportunity to better connect you with customers in the digital marketplace. If you operate a CSA (with room for new members), are taking online orders, or offer a farm stand and you’d like to be included in the Good Food Guide, please email Mary Elizabeth Kidd at maryelizabeth@georgiaorganics.org.