Guidance for Nursery & Garden Centers during COVID-19
from the NJ Department of Agriculture
The horticultural sector is the largest in New Jersey agriculture, accounting for about $500 million annually in sales. It includes nurseries, greenhouses, sod producers and Christmas tree farms.
An Administrative Order declared nurseries and garden centers as essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore allowing them to stay open as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.
As people are being urged to stay at home to facilitate social distancing, the nursery and garden center sector provides an essential outlet for people to purchase plant materials and start a productive, healthy activity around their homes.
Business owners in this sector should keep in mind the various restrictions upon businesses in terms of operating hours and especially in terms of avoiding gatherings of more than 50 people at a time. Employees of these businesses should be mindful of proper biosecurity measures, including staying home from work if exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or being exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the virus, as well as wearing gloves and other protective equipment when interacting with customers.
