Virtually every country in the world has felt the myriad of repercussions from the COVID-19 global pandemic. In an attempt to curtail the outbreak, governments have implemented drastic measures during this most unprecedented of times. The Ontario government extended its state of emergency and mandated the closure of all non-essential workplaces. Among those considered to be essential workplaces are agriculture and food production businesses. However, it cannot be forgotten that this crisis will inevitably come to an end and we will gradually return to normalcy. In order to truly flourish, those businesses that operate within the industry should think about things like agriculture website design and marketing services. In this article, we discuss 4 tips for agriculture and farmland businesses to thrive in a post coronavirus landscape.

Make A Great First Impression Online With A Superb Website

We live in a digital age, where more and more customers are shopping online. In a post Coronavirus landscape, it will be more important than ever for businesses operating in the agriculture industry to maximize their online presence with superb website design. There can be no question how paramount an excellent, professionally designed website is for maximizing your agriculture business. A recent survey found that 63% of Canadians admitted they will not buy from a company that has a poorly designed website. By having a stunning website, you will create a great first impression, convey professionalism, and thereby build brand trust and credibility for your agriculture business.

When the COVID-19 pandemic finally ceases, it will be key for an agriculture business to boost its online presence with a remarkably well-designed mobile-responsive website. To compete in today’s market, a fantastic website will be essential for businesses to thrive in the post Coronavirus landscape.

Agriculture Businesses Must Think About Beautiful Package Design To Thrive

In the highly competitive marketplace, business owners operating in the agriculture industry must think about attractive packaging for their products. There is a direct correlation between excellent package design and increased sales. That said, agriculture businesses must seriously think about professional package design Toronto services. For those businesses operating in the GTA and surrounding region, a well designed package can easily attract new customers to your products without them ever hearing of your agriculture business prior.

Once the crisis ends and we gradually return to normal, owners of businesses operating in the agriculture industry should understand the importance and lasting professional impression that is conveyed with excellent package design. Coupled with effective marketing strategies, stunning packages lead to sales, which ultimately allow your business to thrive in the post Coronavirus landscape.

Effective Content Creation Will Increase Your Brand Awareness In The Post Coronavirus Landscape

For agriculture businesses to thrive throughout the GTA and surrounding region in the post Coronavirus landscape, you should consider proven content creation to increase brand awareness That’s why it’s key to choose the best content marketing agency Toronto services.

With proven and relevant content creation and marketing, you will engage your target audience, increase brand awareness, and ultimately position your agriculture business for maximum success when we return to normalcy. Content marketing is a proven strategic marketing technique that will give your business the edge in the highly competitive agriculture industry.

How The COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Pertains To Agriculture And Farmland Businesses

The current COVID-19 pandemic is an extremely fluid situation that changes daily, and from region to region. The Ontario government extended the provincial state of emergency and mandated the closure of all non-essential workplaces, in an attempt to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. On April 13, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture issued a summary of the financial assistance programs for farm businesses currently made available by the government:

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Canadian government and the Ontario government have announced financial assistance measures for individuals and businesses, including farm businesses. OFA has developed a summary of existing programs and new financial assistance measures that may be relevant to Ontario farm businesses.

Please note this summary is provided for information purposes only and program details may have been amended since this summary was drafted. Therefore, we recommend you rely on official program guidelines instead of this summary when applying.

Canada’s $5 billion increase to Farm Credit Canada’s lending capacity

Overview: Farm Credit Canada (FCC) received an enhancement to its capital base that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity. Focus will be on assisting the industry in addressing cash flow challenges so that businesses can remain focused on business-critical functions.

Who is eligible: Farmers, agri-businesses, and food processors.

Website for more details: www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html

How to apply: Customers facing financial pressure are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager or the FCC Customer Service Centre at 1-888-332-3301 to discuss their individual situation and options.

Canada’s Advance Payment Program

Overview: The federal government announced up to $173 million in loan repayment deferrals under the Advance Payments Program (APP) to help farmers with an APP loan due by April 30. Who is eligible: Farmers with APP loans.

Website for more details: www.agcreditcorp.ca/what_advance_payments_program_app

How to apply: APP borrowers in Ontario should contact the Agricultural Credit Corporation

Canada’s Income Tax Payment Deferral

Overview: All businesses can defer, until August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as installments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.

Who is eligible: All businesses owing income taxes.

Website for more details: ww.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html

How to apply: Check the above website for extended filing dates.

Canada’s Work-Sharing program

Overview: Work-Sharing is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. It provides income support to employees eligible for

Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers. Effective March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021, and not limited to one specific sector or industry, the government is introducing temporary special measures, including the extension of the maximum possible duration of an agreement from 38 weeks to 76 weeks.

Who is eligible: The measure provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week.

Website for more details: www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html

How to apply: Ontario employers should email their completed applications (available on the website noted above) to ESDC.ON.WS-TP.ON.EDSC@servicecanada.gc.ca”

To supplement the inevitable loss of income many Canadians are experiencing during the pandemic, it is important to understand what relief measures have been implemented by the federal government in the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Amongst the measures providing economic support to Canadians affected by the pandemic is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB):

“The federal government will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

• workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
• workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
• wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.”

In addition, in the beginning of April the federal government announced the details of measures that will support Canadian businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. On April 1, the Department of Finance announced the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): 

“The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

To help Canadians and businesses get through these tough economic times, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Government is proposing to introduce a wage subsidy of 75 per cent for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

This measure, which is a part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, would support businesses that are hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and would help protect the jobs Canadians depend on during these difficult times.

• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would apply at a rate of 75 per cent of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees – representing a benefit of up to $847 per week. The program would be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.
• Eligible employers who suffer a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy.
• Eligible employers would include employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy, with the exception of public sector entities.
• For non-profit organizations and registered charities similarly affected by a loss of revenue, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances. The government is also considering additional support for non-profits and charities, particularly those involved in the front line response to COVID-19. Further details will be announced in the near term.
• An eligible employer’s entitlement to this wage subsidy will be based entirely on the salary or wages actually paid to employees. All employers would be expected to at least make best efforts to top up salaries to 100% of the maximum wages covered.”

Federal finance minister, Bill Morneau, explained the impetus for the introduction of the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).

“Businesses provide the jobs, the goods and the services that Canadians depend on to keep their communities going, in good times and bad. With the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, we are helping businesses keep their staff on payroll so that businesses will be better positioned to rebound when the current challenges have passed. We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that workers and businesses are supported through the outbreak, and that our economy remains resilient during these difficult times,” Morneau explained in a press release.

At present, our world is contending with truly unprecedented times. However, it must not be forgotten, that this crisis will inevitably pass and we will collectively prevail. In the interim, stay safe, stay well, stay connected to family, friends, and neighbours, and remember to be kind.

Sarah Bauder

Sarah Bauder is a senior content specialist at Little Dragon Media. Sarah has a degree in journalism and has a decade of experience writing content at numerous renowned publications. She enjoys writing about digital marketing, business, entrepreneurship and more.