Different sectors of the fruit industry had highs and lows in 2020. Apples showed a smaller crop than usual, but cranberries did well due to increased retail juice sales. The wine and craft beverage sector was hit hard early in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but bounced back with the availability of online ordering and curbside pickup.
2020 is shaping up to be a potentially high-income year for some farmers across the country, especially given the latest round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments. One tool that will likely come into play for fruit growers this year is the ability to depreciate 100% of the cost of new orchards.
While many people are concerned about how to keep themselves and their families safe from COVID-19, it’s also important to know how the virus is not transmitted. Consuming fruits and vegetables remains safe and is important for maintaining a robust immune system. Here are some details on food safety in the current environment that may help calm your uncertainty.
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program was designed to help compensate farmers for the market disruptions that occurred in the early stages of COVID-19. Read about the program and two notable exceptions for Northeast apple and potato growers.
