MO-AG Member Alert | March 25, 2020
From Steve’s Desk

In our MO-AG Member Alert last Friday, I updated you regarding the actions of MO-AG and our national affiliates regarding the COVID-19 virus crisis. One issue I highlighted was the need to assure that agribusinesses can continue to operate in the event of a government ‘shelter in place’ or similar order. Since Friday, MO-AG has been in contact with the Governor’s office and the Missouri Department of Agriculture encouraging adoption of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers”.

I am very pleased that the State of Missouri has announced that it is adopting the DHS guidance. Missouri state government is creating a consistent directive for local governments that businesses that are part of the food supply chain are considered “essential” businesses and may continue to operate within an area of restricted travel. MDA’s website  provides a lot of very good information regarding the impact of the COVID-19 virus in general. MDA’s website also specifically discusses agribusiness being considered an ‘essential business’, provides a listings of countywide and citywide orders restricting travel, and also provides you with a template letter you can use to show local authorities you are exempt from local travel exemptions as a critical infrastructure industry worker in the food and agriculture industry. View MDA's press release here .

I want to particularly thank Governor Mike Parson and MDA Director Chris Chinn for their strong support and very quick work on this issue. I also appreciate the support of MO-AG’s national affiliates. A copy of the letter these affiliates sent Governor Parson can be found here .

Stay safe!
Steve