The March 24 guidance that determined that horticulture businesses are essential has been rescinded.  The new ruling is at https://agriculture.ny.gov/coronavirus

Please read it carefully!  And please monitor that site as the situation continues to change frequently.  I will try to keep up and let you know.

There are at least 2 very important pieces in the new ruling

At this time, horticulture is designated as a non-essential business (with the exception of nurseries/greenhouses selling food producing plants).

Businesses that are interested in being deemed an essential business should contactCOVID19BusinessWaiver@ESD.ny.gov to learn how to apply for a waiver.

I realize there are still lots of nuances in our industry that are not clearly covered and we are trying to get clarity.

I also want to emphasize how much the Department of Ag and Markets has your back and is working really hard to keep your businesses classified as essential – even though it may not seem like it.

I’d always prefer to be the bearer of good news – and am still hopeful that I will get to do that soon!

Our webinar on Friday, April 3 at 2:00 will certainly cover this.  The link is https://cornell.zoom.us/j/512811331

I’m pulling for you all!