Rep. Fishbein, Lt. Gov Bysiewicz, Commissioner Hurlburt tour Geremia Farms

State Rep. Craig Fishbein joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt for a tour of Geremia Farms and discussion of small business needs during the coronavirus outbreak.

Joe Geremia, who led the small group through the vast greenhouse complex and past rows of hydrangea, lilies and dozens of other varieties, said he’s concerned with balancing the needs of his business while also making sure his staff and customers are safe.  Like many farm markets and stands, his staff maintains social distancing and has changed their procedures by offering pre-orders and curbside pickup and payment. They also installed an outdoor register and protective barrier and provide an outdoor shopping area for flowers, he said.

During the tour Commissioner Hurlburt said many of the state’s farmer’s markets and farms stands are open and working hard to provide for customers during this unprecedented time. He said the Department issued guidance regarding Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7H, and 7S, and DECD’s guidance on essential services and Safe Stores, food and agriculture, including aquaculture, as well as, farmers’ markets and farm stands are deemed essential. The full farmers’ market guidance can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/doag-covid