Emergency Proclamation Helps Farmers, Agribusinesses Meet Demand for Food and Supplies

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 20, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement in response to the State Public Health Emergency Proclamation signed by Gov. Reynolds today.

“Gov. Reynolds has shown tremendous leadership to our state during this challenging and evolving situation,” said Secretary Naig. “I appreciate her continued support of the agriculture community. We’ll continue working together to find solutions that keep the supply chain moving so we can get food from the farm to the grocery store shelf.”

The emergency proclamation temporarily suspends the oversized, overweight and hours of service regulations that apply to commercial vehicles transporting “agricultural supplies and commodities including, but not limited to, livestock, raw milk and crop supplies.” This waiver helps farmers and agribusinesses continue to meet the demand for food and supplies during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The proclamation is effective immediately and lasts until April 16, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.