Coronavirus information for agriculture
The federal government's measures are mainly aimed at slowing down the rate at which the virus spreads, so that the healthcare system can cope as well as possible with the increasing numbers of infections. At the same time, environmental hygiene conditions on farms must now be adapted.
Agriculture is the linchpin for the country's supply. Depending on the country and region, however, emergency laws are handled differently. Agriculture is a critical infrastructure and also cannot conduct a home quarantine. Here are a few important points about the current situation (Initial sources: Federal Office for Agriculture FOPH www.blw.admin.ch Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism www.bmlrt.gv.at )
Basically, it should be noted,
- that a transmission of the coronavirus from humans to animals is not possible according to the current state of knowledge.
- at present, there is also no evidence that the coronavirus can be transmitted through food.
However, the virus can be transmitted by humans to surfaces where it can be detected. For this reason, potentially affected farmers are increased hygiene measures recommended. This is also emphasized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): "agricultural products or farm animals do not pose any risk per se. The generally applicable hygiene regulations must be observed".
It should also be noted that, from the current perspective, there is no reason to question the adequate supply of food to the population.
Questions and answers about agriculture and forestry
How does the curfew or ban on gatherings affect farms? Is it still possible to do field work?
The curfews and the ban on gatherings of more than 5 people in Austria, for example, do not apply to farms. Farms are considered critical, system-maintaining infrastructure. I.e. they can pursue their activities as unrestrictedly as possible (e.g. field work is still possible). Hygiene measures must be complied with.
How should farms deal with a possible coronavirus case on the farm?
What applies to employees on farms?
Suspected and confirmed infections must be reported immediately. The health authorities can then order various measures, including operating and traffic restrictions. The recommendations and instructions of the health authorities must be followed.
In a case of infection, a distinction must be made:
- Self-affectedness (as a positive tested coronavirus case or up to fourteen days in quarantine instructed by the health authority) means that the ability to work is restricted with it. It is the entrepreneur's own responsibility to ensure that operations continue. Assistance is provided, among others, by the machinery ring (personnel leasing) and/or other official support packages.
- Affection of one or more employees: A quarantine situation can be extended to the entire company by order of the authorities.
- Affection of the company by official order to disinfect and/or destroy the goods. Here there is the possibility of compensation according to epidemic law.
What is the situation with regard to economic damage and compensation for farms?
In principle, the risk of economic damage is borne by the entrepreneur. There is no general obligation to pay compensation for all economic disadvantages. However, if specific official measures (e.g. quarantine measures) lead to an impediment to acquisition, there is a claim for compensation in accordance with the Epidemics Act.
Are there grants or bridge loans available?
Such tools can only be tested after concrete economic damage has been done. At present, the focus is on reducing the speed at which the virus spreads.
What happens to farm products in connection with coronavirus disease on the farm?
There are no cases where it has been proven that people have been infected with the novel coronavirus through eating food and drinking water. Therefore: Food and drinking water do not pose a risk from the novel coronavirus.
What can the health authority order an operation in the extreme case?
In extreme cases, the authority may order disinfection of the establishment.
Compensation is provided for under the Epidemic Act. The claim for compensation must be submitted to the respective district administrative authority.
Can livestock auctions still be held? Are farm animals still allowed to be sold?
Yes, farm animals may continue to be sold. Animal auctions and animal sales markets may no longer be held in the usual form. Exceptions are possible provided that personal contacts are reduced to an absolute minimum and the procedure is closely coordinated with the authorities. Uniform Austria-wide standards are being developed. The current closures do not apply to the agricultural trade, which also includes slaughter animal auctions.
What about the supply of feed for farm animals?
From the current point of view, there is no increased demand for feed due to the coronavirus and no shortage is foreseeable.
Are warehouses or agricultural trade (fertilizers, pesticides, other inputs, etc.) also affected by the closure of the stores?
For agricultural trade (warehouses, horticultural enterprises, producers of plant seedlings, slaughter animal auctions and country product trade with seeds, feed and fertilizers) the current closures do not apply.Agricultural operating, feed and seeds are sufficiently stocked for the spring season.
Current situation in Switzerland:
The cantonal business assistance services can be asked for help in an emergency. "Many farms have a private network that they can call on in the event of a short breakdown," says the Canton of Lucerne's farm helper service. However, if there is no private solution, the farm helper services would help out. Because of the coronavirus, however, the service is not worried. "Whether we can do all the missions, we see when they come," writes the service. In general, however, the services are short of helpers, it said. That's a nationwide problem, it said. (Source: www.bauernzeitung.ch)
The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) answers the most burning questions about coronavirus on its website. Further questions can be sent by e-mail to the FOAG be sent.
