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The fresh produce industry is facing unprecedented losses with the COVID-19 pandemic according to Western Growers, which is asking the USDA to cover all PACA claims to ensure produce sellers are fully protected.

The Packer’s Tom Karst talks on March 26 with Jason Resnick, vice president and general counsel for Western Growers, about the current foodservice crisis tied to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

The Andrew and Phyllis D’Arrigo Charitable Foundation, Salinas, Calif., is donating to Monterey County non-profit organizations as residents comply with a shelter-in-place order in the county.

The Packer’s Tom Karst visited on March 26 with Richard Owen, vice president of global membership and engagement for the Produce Marketing Association.

Organics Unlimited, San Diego, is using funds from its Disaster Relief GROW sub-fund to help workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission, Lansing, has donated $5,000 to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, to be used by food banks to purchase potatoes.

The United Fresh Produce Association is extending the application period for the 26th class of its leadership program because of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has compiled a list of FAQs for the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act as customers ask suppliers about extending payment terms.

South Africa will go on a nationwide lockdown midnight March 26 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, but industry sources report fruit exports are expected to continue without interruption.

The Packer’s Tom Karst visits March 24 with Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, president and CEO of the Produce for Better Health Foundation about PBH’s recent consumer-facing activity in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.