** UPDATED 4/8/2021 **

Despite the complexity of grappling with a global pandemic as a small farm, we are filled with gratitude toward our CSA members and all of our supporters in the community. Thank you for recognizing the value of local, sustainably grown produce and for supporting our refugee farmers. 

What makes Community Supported Agriculture so meaningful is that our members commit to supporting the farm through all of the abundance as well as any setbacks a farming season may bring. As a CSA member, you are part of the TTCF family and this is your farm. We could not exist without your commitment and support and we are deeply thankful.

We want to emphasize our commitment  to protecting your health and safety as well as that of our farmers and our community at large. Below are more specific policies we are and will continue to follow to ensure we do everything within our power to honor that commitment.

 

GENERAL ON-FARM PROTOCOL

• According to the FDA and the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread via food.
• In order to prevent any possible spread amongst farmers and staff, staff will regularly reinforce TTCF’S standard operating procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and drying any food contact surfaces, food handling equipment, bins, and tools.
• We’re also doing the following:
  • Practicing on-farm six-foot social distancing guidelines recommended by the CDC.
  • Holding all meetings outdoors and using social distancing guidelines. Indoor meetings between vaccinated individuals are permitted but masks must be worn and social distancing guidelines must be followed.
  • Limiting outside visitors to the farm except essential farm workers, TTCF staff, and their guests. During the active CSA season, CSA members that are signed up for on-farm pick-up are permitted as long as they adhere strictly to the On-Farm CSA Pick-up Guidelines as outlined below.

 

PROTOCOL IN CASE OF FARMER COVID-19 RELATED ILLNESS

• If a farmer, anyone in their household, or anyone they have been in contact with demonstrates coronavirus symptoms, they will contact the Assistant Farm Manager immediately and describe the situation and symptoms. The Assistant Farm Manager will document the conversation and information reported, and will alert all other staff and farmers immediately.
• According to the CDC, if a vaccinated farmer comes into contact with someone reporting symptoms of COVID-19 or having tested positive for COVID-19, that farmer only needs to quarantine if they develop symptoms.
• In the case that a farmer has symptoms of and tests positive for COVID-19, the farmer and all unvaccinated household members will not return to the farm until they meet all three of the following CDC criteria:
  • 10 days have passed since symptoms began.
  • They have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without fever reducing medication).
  • Other COVID-19  symptoms are improving.
• If an unvaccinated farmer reports that someone in their household is demonstrating symptoms of COVID-19, the farmer and everyone in their household are advised to immediately quarantine at home and self-monitor for symptoms. 

 

GENERAL CSA PICK-UP SITE PROTOCOL

• Members must not come to pick-ups if they are ill. The member should not return to pick up until they meet the criteria determined by the CDC:
  • 10 days have passed since symptoms began.
  • They have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without fever reducing medication).
  • Other COVID-19 symptoms are improving. 
• Members are required to wear a mask or face covering to pick up sites. 
• Members will maintain a 6 foot space between themselves and others at all times during pick up.
• Volunteers at staffed pick-up locations will be provided with masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. They will find each member’s box and make it accessible to them, maintaining a 6 foot space between themselves and the members.

 

ON-FARM CSA PICK-UP SITE EXPECTATIONS

• CSA Members signed up for on farm pick-up must not come to the farm if they are ill, per the above stated protocol. Members are required to wear masks at all times while on the farm.
• Members will use the provided hand sanitizer before and after unlocking the gate as well as before and after opening the cooler or turning on the cooler light.
• Members will limit their time on the farm and are no longer permitted to walk around the farm.
• Members sending friends to pick up their share will clearly explain the pick-up process and expectations.
• A sign will be posted on the gate and walk-in cooler detailing the on-farm expectations for CSA members’ reference.

 

FARMERS MARKET PROTOCOL IN CASE OF MARKET FARMER ILLNESS 

• Market farmers will adhere to all market recommendations and requirements.
• Farmers will wear masks when distributing and selling food. 
• TTCF offers online pre-ordering for market produce via the farm’s website for customer ease and safety. 

 

 

If you have further questions about this protocol, you may email the Farm Manager at bjackson@transplantingtraditions.org. Our email response times may be longer than usual due to COVID-19 and our limited capacity. We appreciate your patience.