FAR is moving daily to adapt to the ever-changing requirements of managing the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our staff, then our levy payers and stakeholders. As such, and based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, the following steps have been confirmed:
- As of 18 March, all grower, business and research visits to FAR have been suspended. All contact or meetings to be carried out via email, telephone or video conference.
- All FAR grower events and meetings have been suspended for 90 days (until mid-June). They will be replaced with video meetings, podcasts etc. To be reviewed regularly.
- All international travel by staff has been on hold since mid-March as has any contact with international guests, or those who have travelled with, or spent time with international visitors.
- FAR staff visiting on-farm research trials must obtain permission from the host farmer in advance.
- Staff domestic flights are only to be approved if work is essential for FAR business.
- FAR staff are all set-up and able to work from home, if, or when, that becomes necessary.
- FAR has excellent video conferencing facilities and is well set up to host meetings with people or groups at any number of sites across New Zealand.
These measures will be reviewed and updated regularly as the situation develops. At all times, FAR and FAR staff will work within the recommendations set by the Ministry of Health.
Updates will be posted on the FAR website and in our FAR Weekly e-newsletter.
Helpful resources:
- Download and print this information poster for your workplace.
- Federated Farmers - COVID-19 Farm Employer FAQ and Support Package FAQ.