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COVID-19 Guidance for Farms & Communities
Resources for Farms & Communities

Note: We are working to provide the most accurate information we have to the question below. If you have information that should be added or see anything that needs to be corrected, please reach out to us at info@kansasuralcenter.org.  

On March 24, 2020, Gov. Kelly signed an Executive Order No. 20-15 establishing the Kansas Essential Function Framework (KEFF), essential functions for COVID-19 response efforts.  In the event of local “shelter in place” orders, this executive order overrides exempt functions that must remain in operation.  Included in this order are: 

• Produce and provide agricultural products and services (KEFF 400 Supply, page 5) 
• Produce and provide human and animal food products and services (KEFF 400 Supply, page 5)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) definitions of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” lists specific categories of Food and Agriculture workforce. Read Letter it here.  

For farmers and food businesses that need to move about under “stay at home” orders, maintain access to copies of executive order and DHS letter link above.   It is KRC’s understanding that anyone providing an essential service during COVID-19 shelter in place orders may also carry with them a travel exemption letter complete with farm or business letterhead (or farm/business name, address and contact information) and explanation of the business or service you are conducting that is exempt for the national, state, and local orders.   

Travel Exemption Letter Example 1
Travel Exemption Letter Example 2