CHAP partners work to maintain services through COVID-19 crisis

AHDB

A dedicated coronavirus section is now live on the AHDB website: https://ahdb.org.uk/ahdb-coronavirus-response

On 23^rd March, AHDB will also be launching a new Helpdesk for farmers, growers and the supply chain.  It will be contactable on 024 7601 9361 or, alternatively, by email at coronavirus.helpdesk@ahdb.org.uk

ADAS

For a list of events that have been cancelled or postponed, please go to https://www.adas.uk/News/adas-events-and-covid-19. This list will be updated regularly.

Bayer

Bayer AG chairman Werner Baumann has published an open letter to patients, farmers, consumers and stakeholders at: https://www.bayer.com/en/coronavirus-covid-19-update.aspx There is also an article on how Bayer is participating in the battle against the virus at https://www.magazine.bayer.com/en/coronavirus-an-active-substance-from-bayer-could-help.aspx

CABI

CABI is making thousands of records, including research it has done on the prevention and control of SARS and MERS, Open Access for three month to help scientists worldwide respond to the outbreak. For more information on this go to: https://www.cabi.org/news-article/cabi-provides-free-access-to-content-on-global-health-platform-to-help-fight-coronavirus-outbreak/. To access the free information go to www.cabdirect.org/globalhealth

Cranfield University

The university remains open, but teaching is being done online  and staff have been told to work from home where possible. It also has interesting articles on the current situation at https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/press/news-2020/covid-19-the-danger-of-consumers-substituting-products, https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/press/news-2020/coronavirus-and-the-energy-sector and https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/press/news-2020/coronavirus-and-the-cyber-issues-from-more-home-working

Fera Science

Is working to ensure it can continue to deliver services to customers, while minimising risks to staff. It is postponing events and attendance at exhibitions or using digital engagement where possible. All staff are banned from international travel, and visits to the Sand Hutton site are strictly limited. For updates and more detail please go to https://www.fera.co.uk/news/coronavirus-update/

Frontier

Frontier managing director Mark Aitchison has written an open letter on the website explaining that the company has implemented a range of contingency plans to ensure it can offer ‘business as usual’ as far as is possible. Face-to-face meetings will be replaced by email, phone and video calls. For more details go to: https://www.frontierag.co.uk/news-events/news/news-archive/1447-frontier-agriculture-customer-statement-regarding-covid-19-coronavirus

James Hutton Institute

The Institute is taking measures to reduce infection risks and has postponed most of its events. Any visitors to its sites must sign a declaration about their health. Outdoor visits and field-based small meetings may go ahead, subject to risk controls. If you have any questions email coronavirus@hutton.ac.uk

Liberty Produce

There is a dedicated webpage, with FAQs and that latest advice. Go to
https://www.liberty-produce.com/post/coronavirus-covid-19-update

Newcastle University

There is a dedicated webpage, with FAQs and that latest advice. Go to https://www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/coronavirus-updatedinformation/

Rothamsted Research

Rothamsted is open for critical work that has to be maintained onsite, but most workers are working remotely from home. The situation will be reviewed regularly. Please go to https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/ for the latest information.

Stockbridge Technology Centre

STC has stopped all visitors, apart from deliveries. It is prioritising hygiene and sanitation facilities. All staff who are able are now working from home, but farm staff are still on site at the moment. This situation may be liable to change, but the interests and wellbeing of staff are foremost.

Tesco

The retailer is prioritising older and vulnerable customers with dedicated shopping times. It is placing limits on how many essential items customers can buy and has reduced opening hours to allow staff to replenish stock and rest themselves. For more information go to https://www.tescoplc.com/news/2020/covid-19-a-message-to-our-customers-from-dave-lewis-tesco-ceo/

Warwick University

Is suspending all non-critical campus activities and moving to online remote working, while committing to ensuring students can graduate, protecting jobs and asking workers to be good neighbours while working from home. Vice Chancellor Stuart Croft has recorded a video explaining the actions taken, which can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cehiO7gILsE. There is also guidance at https://warwick.ac.uk/insite/coronavirus

nb) The partners above were available for comment at the time of publishing and are not all of CHAP’s partners.