Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley on Tuesday signed an executive order deeming agricultural and food production workers essential in the event of a local or statewide “stay-at-home” order. The essential designation means those involved in agricultural activities can continue their work in the event a stay-at-home order is issued.

The order provides the framework for essential functions to secure the safety and protection of the civilian population. The following agricultural workers covered under the order are those who:

  • Produce and provide agricultural products and services
  • Produce and provide human and animal food products and services

While the governor’s order “supersedes and overrides” any local stay-home order, county Farm Bureaus are strongly encouraged to work with local health departments to ensure agricultural workers can continue working without fear of punitive measures from local authorities.