By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – The agriculture industry will continue to move forward with extra precaution to protect works from COVID-19.
A lot of uncertainty continues to go around when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomist Angela Rieck-Hinz one thing is for certain, agriculture will have to move forward. “Spring’s coming and ag’s going to go on with or without this virus” she says while advising everyone to exercise precaution.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food and food packaging. Rieck-Hinz shares a report from the Extension and Outreach office that helps assure consumers that multiple federal agencies are in full agreement that the virus does not spread through food or packaging. Additionally the report shares that the CDC finds no evidence that the virus has been spread through imported goods.
Rieck-Hinz does share that ag retailer suppliers are taking more precautions when it comes to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most retailers are currently limiting access to co-ops and asking that farmers call to arrange supply pickup. They are also taking measure to protect their employees like alternating days of work to help maintain the practice of social distancing.
Rieck-Hinz concludes by advising farmers to contact their retailer suppliers to get details on measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. She says everyone should prepare to do more business by phone and exert patience when staffing is limited.