COVID-19 Resources

HAREC Donates Food to Community

We live where you live, and it's important to us to do our part. 

Ventura County UCCE and Hansen Agricultural Research Center (HAREC) donated nearly two tons of fruit and vegetables to Food Forward and the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Additionally, Ventura County Master Gardeners propagated seedlings of vegetables and herbs that would normally be destined for schools with gardens, but because of the pandemic they were given to schools for direct distribution to families. Learn more here.

Produce from HAREC

Overview

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) illness, our office is closed for face-to-face service through May 31st. While we regret the inconvenience, these are the precautions we are taking to support one other and comply with University, local, county and state government recommendations. Our staff is telecommuting and can be contacted by phone and by email.

For up-to-date information about COVID-19 please access the Ventura County Public Health website. Additional information about the County of Ventura's response - including public health orders - may be found here.

For the latest updates, please visit these websites: 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  CDC guidance is also available for child care sites, schools, workplaces & community locations.
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
  CDPH guidance documents are also available for child care, schools, food industry, homeless assistance, health care, first responders, housecleaning with those COVID-19 positive, and more.
• CA.GOV   

The best way to prevent illness is to reduce your risk of being exposed:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of used tissues immediately.
• Stay home if you can. If you must go out for an essential activity, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others. Some communities now require face masks.

Practical Resources to Continue Essential Agricultural Work

• The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner has posted important resources, including the latest advisory on agricultural worker protection
• The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 - A Practical Guide (A summary of provisions of the $2 trillion federal CARES Act passed in March 2020)
• Safety Guidance for Agricultural Operations during COVID-19 Outbreak (Fact sheet) 
• COVID-19 safety guidelines for farm stands (Download and print signs for farm stands)
• Guidelines for preventing the spread of infection at the farm
• Policy and Procedures for Safe Food Handling During COVID-19 on the Farm (For small and urban farms and gardens)
• Safe handling practices for fresh produce in a time of COVID-19 (ppt)
• Tips on urban ag and COVID-19 (blog post)
• Western Center for Ag Health and Safety (Website)
• California Workers During COVID-19 Crisis: Filing for supplemental pay due to impacts on wages
• Disaster response from EDEN (Extension Education Disaster Network)

Resources for Home

UCANR has compiled additional resources to help you in a range of areas, including:

• Gardening
• Integrated Pest Management
• Youth Development
• Food, Water and Nutrition
• Exploring Your Environment
• Health and Wellness

Please visit the UCANR website to learn more.