Farmers Market Season is Here, Markets Prepared to Safely Serve Pennsylvanians Amid COVID-19

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today reminded Pennsylvanians that with spring and warm weather comes farmers market season in the commonwealth. Farmers markets, like grocery stores, offer life-sustaining food and essentials and have been provided guidance from the department for how to continue operations safely and with minimal risk amid the COVID-19 public health crisis.

When Governor Tom Wolf first designated agriculture and the supply chain as life sustaining, the Department of Agriculture issued guidance for Farmers Markets and On-Farm Markets with recommendations on how to continue operations safely and minimize contact for shoppers and employees. The guidance includes:

  • Offer delivery or pick up options and online or phone ordering if possible.
  • Pre-package bags of fruit, vegetables, and other items to limit shoppers’ handling food and keep customers moving quickly.
  • Offer designated times for high-risk and elderly persons to shop at least once a week.
  • Communicate with consumers via website or social media to explain changes, delivery options, or other extra precautions to mitigate against COVID-19.
  • Separate stands to limit crowds and consider limiting the number of customers in the market at one time.
  • If possible, have a different person handle products and handle money, or wash hands and sanitize between tasks.
  • Remove tablecloths and eliminate samples and eating areas.

Pennsylvanians interested in supporting local can find a market by visiting pafarm.com or by looking for the PA Preferred® logo when shopping in a grocery store for a guarantee that you’re supporting a Pennsylvania farmer.

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