This week MGGC joined AmericanHort and numerous others around the nation in sending a letter to USDA requesting to be added to the CFAP relief program. We have asked for relief for a 3 month period between January 15, 2020 and April 15, for serious economic harm from 2020 COVID-19 related disruption of the market chain during this time. The nursery and floriculture sector represents one third of the value of all specialty crops but we were not included in the original USDA-FSA direct payment relief. The letter explains the losses and gives some ideas for identifying crop values for the program. This is an interesting read so I have included the full letter here Nursery-Floriculture Comment Letter on USDA CFAP NOFA_Final_0622202.
The Michigan cases of COVID-19 continue to remain low but there is a concern of a second wave of infections as other states have had a large increase in cases in the past couple of weeks. The total number of cases in the state has risen to 61,630, including 5,864 deaths. Our state doesn’t rank in the top 10 for cases any longer but the Governor is not ready to move to stage 5 and allow more businesses to re-open. I have had reports from some members who have had employees with positive tests so we have to stay vigilant with our precaution. If you are having any difficulty finding PPE products you can visit the SBAM website (sbam.org) , call Cindy at 517-367-2033 or me at 231-301-4888 and we will try to help find what you need.
Please do not hesitate to call me or Cindy with any questions or if something arises you need some help with for your business. We can help with issues or steer you to someone who can help you work through them.
Mark your calendars for October 19th – 21st for our first ever destination annual meeting in Traverse City at the Park Place Hotel! We have a great line up of speakers and it is a great time to network with other industry leaders. Watch your emails for the invites soon.
Have a great 4th and I hope you enjoy the summer!
Goeff
Author: Cindy Ray
Cindy has years of experience in association management and administrative support.
