The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has labeled agriculture as a critical industry in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, allowing businesses to continue operating as usual amid current and potential restrictions created to stem the spread of the virus.

The declaration from Homeland Security extended the designation to the entire food and agriculture production system. Farm groups in recent days had been concerned about the potential for movement restrictions put in place to limit exposure of the virus, including the potential for halted shipment of inputs needed for the upcoming planting season.

Click here to read the full declaration from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security naming agriculture an essential industry as relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is operating from remote locations and farmers or other agricultural professionals can call the Department at 609-292-3976 with any questions.

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