Communication helped UConn Extension address the needs of agricultural producers

Abstract

First paragraphs: The worldwide pandemic due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) has produced unprecedented challenges around the world. Agricultural producers were still working on farms, in greenhouses, and along the coast in Long Island Sound during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. Severe challenges related to labor, food safety, on-farm biosecurity, marketing, and distribution confronted producers. University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension educators understood that our audiences’ needs had changed drastically, and communication would help us understand those changes and provide the services required for the success of their operations. We addressed these challenges using a multifaceted approach. Our team curated resources on a single website for our statewide audiences, including agricultural producers. Extension educators developed resources for specific agricultural sectors, such as fruit and vegetable farms, aquaculture, and nursery and landscape professionals. Links to important updates from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture were also added to our website. . . .

Keywords

• Coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Pandemic
• Agriculture
• Connecticut
• Agricultural Producers