Basking Ridge: Safety Guide For Farmers Markets

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

June 8, 2020

Because many towns are preparing to open farmer markets in June, Somerset County Freeholder Melonie Marano and the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board collaborated with public and private partners to develop a COVID-19 resource guide for municipalities.

“We hope this guide will help our towns feel more confident about setting up and hosting farmers markets,” said Freeholder Marano, liaison to the Agriculture Development Board. “We want to ensure that our citizens continue to have access to healthy foods and that our farmers are able to continue providing local fresh and healthy foods in a safe outdoor environment.”

Using a compilation of guidelines from the CDC and recommendations from Rutgers University, the resource guide answers common questions, such as:

• What social distancing measures can be implemented to protect the staff and customers
• What measures should be taken to disinfect areas accessible to the public?
• What procedures should farm markets implement to ensure proper food/agricultural product handling?
• Can COVID-19 be transmitted by handling or consuming food?

Also included in the guide are copies of pertinent Executive Orders issued by Governor Murphy and ready-to-use market signs and infographics.

The Farmer Market resource can be found on Somerset County’s website at: https://bit.ly/MarketGuide20.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.