[please note that we will update this page if we obtain any new information on food safety protocols and what needs to be done to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the 2021 farm season]
Dukes Farm has always taken food safety seriously. We have taken part in GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) trainings and are certified, through the State of Michigan, for on farm food safety, which entails following the Food Safety Modernization Act. Most of what is required in order to keep the SARS-CoV-2 virus at bay is already required by following farm food safety requirements.
Some things we have been doing, even before the coronavirus pandemic:
- We regularly keep our packing area, packing materials, and delivery vehicle clean and sanitized.
- We require all workers to comply with our food safety and hygiene system.
- We use biodegradable produce bin liners for our CSAs and other boxed deliveries, which adds an additional crucial layer of safety.
- Dukes Farm, as a small operation, already only has (at most) three workers harvesting/washing/packing/delivering produce, so our food is already in very limited human contact.
Enhanced Food Safety Measures for the 2020 & 2021 Seasons
Luckily, we are a small farm, which means we do not have a complicated supply chain to worry about, and can get people food with as few steps as possible, and as quickly as possible. Also, being a farm, it is easy to keep all workers separated at a distance throughout the work day. Regardless, we have added additional layers of protection, on top of what we already do. These measures include, but are not limited to:
- Ask that each worker record their body temperature before showing up to work each day.
- If a worker is displaying signs of illness, they will not be able to work at the farm until fully well. If a worker displays symptoms of COVID-19 illness they will additionally be required to refrain from work until cleared by medical personnel.
- Regimented hand washing — with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — for all workers during the work day.
- Follow best practice social distancing, personal hygiene, and the use of face masks and gloves, as applicable, during working hours.
- Organize farm tasks so that only one worker is performing each task, and prevent the sharing of tools, in order to limit contact.
- All applicable surfaces (packing/washing areas; bins; delivery vehicle; etc.) will be cleaned/sanitized or disinfected/allowed to dry before use routinely with food safe sanitizers known to kill coronaviruses and listed as such by the EPA, FDA and CDC.
We have always taken food safety seriously, so rest assured that we will be doing what is needed to help our community get through this.
Economic Considerations
The coronavirus pandemic has not only affected public health in the United States, but has already dealt a potentially crippling blow to our economy. We have no idea how this will affect the farm business, but we know that at least some people in our community will be affected, due to job loss, partial employment, or other scenarios. Here is what we will be doing to ensure that we can work with the community to help lessen the economic pain caused by the pandemic:
- To the best of our ability we are always flexible with CSA payments, as other vegetable payments this season. If you lost your job or are having trouble putting food on the table during this pandemic, please don’t let that keep you from getting the food you need. If you can’t pay for your CSA at the beginning of the season, during the season, or even until after the season is over, we will work to accommodate your needs.
- We accommodate SNAP/Food Stamp purchases for our produce and other food products.
Food Delivery/Social Distancing
Fortunately, the safest way to procure food during this pandemic is by delivery, which is what we already do. So long as we have fuel for our delivery vehicle we will be able to continue to provide our healthy food to everyone who wants it. You will be able to purchase food through us for delivery by signing up for a CSA or specialty box (such as a pickle or pesto box), through our online shop, or at local grocers like the Marquette Food Co-op and the Lakeshore Depot.
What you can do right now
- Mask up, while in an indoor public space and when in close proximity with those not in your household. It helps keep you safe, as well as those around you, and is respectful to the healthcare workers who have to deal with the consequences of untoward social behavior during a pandemic.
- Practice guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. There is plenty of information out there already, but basically: wash your hands regularly with soap and water; try to not touch your face; sneeze or cough into your elbow; stay at home if you feel unwell (call your doctor before going in for care); sanitize heavily used surfaces and items like doorknobs and light switches, and be as safe as possible when you have to go out in public, especially in crowded areas like grocery stores, or when pumping gas.
- Stay informed so that you, your family and community are safe. You can get updates on the coronavirus pandemic through Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the CDC , World Health Organization, and others. Many news outlets are also offering free news related to the pandemic. And make sure to question what you read on social media; as with anything, there is a lot of disinformation out there.
- If you can afford to do so, please send in any down payments for CSAs or any other products. This allows us to ensure the continued regular operation of the farm, and accommodate for unexpected expenses we will have as a result of the pandemic. If you cannot afford to keep up on payments (due to widespread economic discord and/or loss of work), please don’t let that keep you from getting a CSA or other products from us. We will be very accommodating this season. Even if you think you might not be able to pay until well into the season, at the end of the season, or even later, we will do everything we can to work with you. We don’t have money either, but we will make it work.
- If you have the means, you can help us offer fresh food to people who may not be able to access it. Contact us if you would like to do something like this.
- When the season starts, help us to be sanitary. We are all in this together. Please clean (and sanitize–using only a food safe sanitizer–, if possible) any CSA bins you have and make sure they are dry before we pick them up. We will be doing this, too, but it certainly will not hurt to sanitize and keep things clean multiple times.
Be safe and healthy out there! If you need us, let us know.
Gabriel & the Dukes Farm crew
info@lakesuperiorfarms.com
906-360-8710
