By: RUTH BORGER
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — The COVID-19 crisis has hit Florida’s agricultural industry hard with new challenges on how to protect workers who are essential to keeping our nation’s food supply flowing.
The UF/IFAS Extension team that works with producers and food processors is interested in understanding the barriers that the industry is currently facing with COVID-19 and the work force. The team has created a survey asking those directly involved in food production and processing how they can assist with training needs during this crisis.
“Agricultural workers are considered essential workers during this crisis and have been on the job from day one,” said Christine Kelly-Begazo at UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County. “The information learned from this survey will directly impact what the training we provide this summer and fall.”
Industry representatives can take a quick, 10 question, on-line survey at https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IjYGU4fiiawUzH. All answers will be kept strictly confidential. Questions or comments may be directed to Christine Kelly-Begazo, UF IFAS Indian River County Extension, 772-226-4316
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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