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Orchard owners working to maximize employee safety and visitor experience during fruit harvest
COVID-19 has prompted additional health a safety measures for farmers, employees and visitors.
Michelle Sirles is with Rendleman Orchards in Alto Pass, Illinois. She tells Brownfield they have purchased portable hand sanitizing stations and large quantities of hand sanitizer for customers visiting the orchard during harvest.
“Just trying to think through how the consumer might feel when they are here and how we can make their experience comfortable and enjoyable and give them that outdoor, on the farm feeling that they have been wanting the past two months.”
Along with wearing masks and sanitizing all surfaces regularly they have also connected their employees with a Spanish-speaking health care worker to answer their questions.
“She has also brought them bags of necessary supplies that they can use here at work and then also take some home to use there and protect their families.”
Sirles says it is important for their full-time and seasonal employees to know they are an essential part of the food supply chain, especially during the crisis.
Comments from an interview with Michelle Sirles
