Good news! We now have the specifics we have been hoping for on NY Forward and horticultural businesses.
Please remember that this is not business as usual – there are specifics on what can be done and how it is done.
Phase One begins May 15 and is allowed in Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and North Country regions at the moment. The map for the regions is here: https://esd.ny.gov/regions. I sincerely hope that more regions open soon and I’ll keep you posted.
In order to be eligible for the new rules on opening (Phase 1 of NY Forward) you need to be in a region that has met the COVID metrics set by the state.
Here’s a way to check on that – remember to refresh the screen so you have the current date (top left corner) https://forward.ny.gov/regional-monitoring-dashboard
Phase One includes Agriculture – which includes Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Production. It also includes delivery, curbside, and in-store pickup service only for Florists and Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores.
(I have not seen anything new on landscaping but I will keep looking.)
** If you have both types of operations, the safety plan is the same but read both Interim guidance documents in case there are differences (I haven’t read them all yet myself!)
All businesses, including essential businesses, must develop a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan – even if you have already been open!
Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Production.
The Guidelines – what is mandatory and what is recommended – are athttps://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/NonFoodAgriShortGuidelines.pdf
Please read!
We are also creating Best Management Practices also, that will come out soon but this is the official deal!
There are 2 documents you need to read and fill out/affirm (link at the end of the document)
Interim Guidance for Non-food Related Agriculture Activities
Business Reopening Safety Plan
Florists and Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
The Guidelines – what is mandatory and what is recommended – are at
Please read!
There are 2 documents you need to read and fill out/affirm (link at the end of the document)
Interim Guidance for Curbside and In-Store Pickup Retail Business Activities
Business Reopening Safety Plan
Also more information at Frequently Asked Questions – https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq
My business was previously allowed to operate because I am providing a support function to an essential business. However, I am not in a Phase 1 industry or region. Am I allowed to continue operating?
Yes
If I am an essential business, am I subject to the new operating requirements detailed in the Guidance?
Yes
Let the happy dancing begin for those regions that are opening. If you aren’t in one of those regions, get a head start on filling out your forms.
Have a GREAT! Day.