johnston COUNTY CENTER
COVID-19 Resources for Farmers & Farm Workers
Agriculture - An Essential Industry

At the present time, there is no shelter in place order for Johnston County or any municipality in the county of which I am aware.  Additionally, there is no shelter in place order from the governor at the current time.  However, this is a fluid situation and could change.  Therefore, Commissioner of Agriculture, Steve Troxler has taken steps to make sure that farmers are prepared should the need arise.

Work Authorization Ag Group Personnel:
This link will take you to a letter which can be provided to your workers that could be presented to law enforcement to verify their essential status.


In addition, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture has notified law enforcement agencies that agricultural workers are essential to keeping our state and country operating and fed.  You can find that letter here.
COVID-19 Resources for Farmers & Farm Workers


As you prepare for your farm workers this season, please use the resources below as needed.  I would suggest having a plan for the unique COVID19 situation we are facing for your farm.  The plan should include preparation before the workers arrive, COVID19 training for workers and a protocol to follow if a worker develops symptoms.  Roberto Rosales, Regional Farm Worker Health and Safety Educator, is working on a video in Spanish you can share with your employees to provide information on the COVID19 situation.  Look for more that in the near future.


  • NC State University has a general webpage for  COVID19 resources. There are multiple documents available in Spanish to help provide information to Spanish speaking farm labor. I would encourage growers to print some of these documents and distribute to their workers. 


An example  of a plan for guest workers for the COVID19 situation is below:  

1.     Preparation
a.     Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage on the                    Coronavirus (COVID19)  and NC State University COVID19 Resources for              Farmers and Farm Workers webpage and learn about online resources.
b.     Print posters on COVID19 and post at labor camp.
c.     Purchase cleaning supplies such as soap and disinfectants.
d.     Define an area of the camp that can be separated for workers with symptoms            or identify a separate camp where workers with symptoms can be separated.
e.     Consider alternatives to minimize workers' need to travel. Ie Grocery delivery,            arrange for a meal service, laundry facilities on site, etc.

2.     Training for workers.  Information available at CDC COVID19 website.  Also          utilized training video to be released in the future by Roberto Rosales.  
a.     Virus symptoms
b.     How the virus spreads
c.     Steps to protect yourself
d.     Steps to protect others
e.     Consider developing additional policies for the farm that may reduce spread of          the virus, like not visiting other farm labor camps, etc.
f.      Implement camp cleaning schedule with workers

3.     Worker that develop COVID19 symptoms
a.     Workers should notify grower immediately if they develop symptoms.
b.     Provide a separated area for symptomatic worker to self-isolate.
c.     Contact Johnston County Health Department or a physician and follow their          guidance for a potential COVID19 patient. ie. Have worker tested, transported            to the Emergency Room, etc. If a worker has mild symptoms a COVID19 test            may not be requested.
d.     Make sure the worker receives care that is needed.  Self-isolation is required            for 7 days after onset of symptoms and at least 3 days fever and symptom                free.  


NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state, and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.

NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, USDA and local governments cooperating.

Declaración Completa (Español) "La Extensión Cooperativa de Carolina del Norte prohíbe la discriminación y el acoso independientemente de la edad, el color de la piel, la discapacidad de la persona, el estado civil y situación familiar, la identidad de género, el país de origen, la ideología política, la raza, la religión, el sexo (incluido el embarazo), la orientación sexual y la condición de veterano de guerra. Colaboración entre las Universidades NC State y N.C. A&T State, el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, y los gobiernos locales.

Contact bmspivey@ncsu.edu or 919-989-5380 for accommodations related to a disability.