Letter to our Community on the Coronavirus

Our founders respond to COVID:

To Our Dear Community,

During this unprecedented time in our world’s history, we know that many of you are experiencing rapid changes in your lives. The last few weeks have been incredibly challenging and complex for everyone. It’s our goal to be as transparent, supportive and proactive as possible.
We will get through this difficult time as partners. Our team is hard at work and our success has been, and will always be, dependent on your success.

We Stand With You

In the coming weeks, we will be making a formal announcement of our own CARES program that will include information on seed payment plans for farmers, a waiving of shipping fees, partnerships we have formed to supply grants, and a matching program.
Our team is hard at work finalizing the details and working to make our hemp buyback program accessible to more of you. The pilot of this unique system, where you purchase seeds and we buy back a portion or in some cases all the biomass you grow, was a great success last year. We hope to be able to extend it to more of you so you can feel confident moving into planting season.
For those of you who are retailers of CBD products, we are predicting the industry will see an increase in consumer demand for your products due to its ability to treat anxiety. News reports we’re seeing are noting that CBD retailers are being tasked with answering questions from consumers seeking education on the benefits of the hemp plant. Your work in this area is so vital and will continue after this difficult time. We encourage you to get creative and engage with us on social media to reply to questions you may not know the answer to. Furthermore, if you or someone you know is experiencing challenges with their supply chain of products, processing equipment, or product packaging reach out. We are here for you.
The CARES ACT which includes $9.5 billion for farmers who supply local food systems, grow specialty crops, and raise livestock including dairy farmers will bring some relief to all business owners. Unfortunately, Hemp is not currently considered a specialty crop, but hope that may change in the future.

Resources

Blue Forest Farms (BFF) is proud to be a brand that not only supplies the highest quality products but is a source of information and education for our community. In alignment with that standard, we’ve compiled a list of resources that may be helpful to you.

Click here to sign up for youngfarmers.org alerts:
Click here to apply for a grant with the American Farmland Trust
Click here to review and add to this list of resources compiled by Soul Fire Farm, Black Farmer Fund, and NorthEast Farmers of Color
Click here to review the details provided by Farmers.gov regarding COVID-19

As a result of this global virus, governments around the world are making difficult choices that impact our lives. Here at BFF, our first priority is the physical and mental health of our team and you, our partners. While these temporary lifestyle changes will impact our community for years to come, this moment in time will pass and we are confident the hemp and farming industry will emerge stronger than ever. Remember that with challenges come opportunities.

We will get through this together. Be well.