This morning, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds recognized the role of agriculture as an essential service in the US. We will continue to communicate the message that it is in the vital interest of the country that the food production system in the United States remains as uninterrupted as possible, while at the same time, to the extent possible, offering our full cooperation in any State and Federal guidelines and regulations put in place with COVID-19.
Through our conversations with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, we are interpreting this declaration to apply as broadly as possible to any production activity related to crop or livestock production.
Agribusiness related portions of the proclamation:
- Weight exemptions similar to proclamations related to harvest
- 90,000 lbs. maximum or 12.5% increase per axle allowed on highways but not Iowa interstates
- Hours of Service waivers
- Iowa Code § 321.449 pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles
- Property Tax Payment Extensions with no additional fees or penalties
The full proclamation can be found here:
https://www.agribiz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/governors.declaration.highlighted.pdf
View full COVID-19 Update email here:
https://conta.cc/399OWYJ