Due to increasing COVID-19 cases, Governor Laura Kelly issued a statewide mask mandate at her press conference this afternoon in Topeka. "Beginning 12:01 a.m., July 3, 2020 every Kansan in a public space must wear a mask," Kelly said. "This doesn't change where you can go or what you can do, but if you are around other people, you must wear a mask." "...
COURTESY National Grain and Feed Association The National Grain and Feed Association represents and provides services for grain, feed and related commercial businesses. Consisting of more than 1,000 companies, NGFA members handle more than 70 percent of all U.S. grains and oilseeds utilized in domestic and export markets. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit late on Friday (June 19) denied the petition filed by two environmental groups to immediately ban the application of dicamba. The appellate court did not issue an explanation for its order, but indicated it wanted to hear more argument on BASF’s motion asking the...
The U.S. Department of Labor will host webinars in June to discuss how the Department is reducing regulatory burdens and making it easier to understand and comply with the law. The webinars will also provide an opportunity for workers, employers, and state and local governments to ask questions. WHAT: OSHA Compliance Assistance Webinars WHEN: Agriculture Guest Speaker: Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. EDT Register at Link Compliance Assistance Webinar 1 Manufacturing and Construction Guest Speaker: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt Thursday, June...
The Kansas Department of Agriculture, along with many other states, has solicited clarification on the EPA’s June 8, 2020, cancellation order. KDA is providing guidance and answers to questions based on our interpretation of the order as it applies to our Kansas regulatory structure and the stated intent in the EPA cancellation order to minimize the negative impact on agriculture and agribusinesses. KARA has provided the FAQ below, as well as by clicking the button to KDA's full website. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the association office (785.234.0463). FULL...
Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday issued an executive order temporarily easing restrictions on over-the-road truckers involved in efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The executive order issued today will continue to ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities,” Kelly said in a news release. That release said Friday’s order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements the state imposes upon motor carriers to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. The exceptions outlined in Friday’s...
Kansas Department of Agriculture published updates and clarifications on its website this afternoon regarding EPA's June 8, 2020 issuance of cancellation orders for three dicamba products. KDA issued background, sale of existing stock, application of existing stock, July 31, 2020 deadline requirements and future information. A synopsis of each is below. Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association will continue to be in contact with Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), EPA and our industry partners. KARA will disperse additional information as soon as it becomes available. If you have any dicamba-related questions or concerns you...
Kansas Department of Agriculture published a press release this afternoon regarding EPA's June 8, 2020 issuance of cancellation orders for three dicamba products. KDA has identified several unanswered questions about how this order applies to Kansas farmers and agribusinesses and is in communication with the EPA for further interpretation. Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association will continue to be in contact with Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), EPA and our industry partners. KARA will disperse additional information as soon as it becomes available. Below is the full KDA news release, along with unanswered questions...
Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a response in an effort to clarify the current status of three dicamba registrations following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ vacatur issued on June 3, 2020. Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association will continue to be in contact with Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), EPA and our industry partners. KARA will disperse additional information as soon as it becomes available. Below is a direct link to EPA’s cancellation order, EPA’s press release and analysis from Agricultural Retailers Association. EPA’s Cancellation Order EPA Press Release Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection...
The Kansas Legislature returned this week for two days of Special Session after being called back into session by the Governor. The Special Session was called following the Governor’s veto of a COVID-19 bill that would have restricted her authority under the Kansas Emergency Management Act (KEMA) and provided certain liability protections to businesses concerning COVID-19. The Legislature reconvened on Wednesday and quickly passed House Bill 2016 as an amended version of the previous COVID-19 legislation. House Bill 2016 provides limited liability protections for businesses who manufacture or sell personal protective...
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) is aware of the June 3 decision in National Family Farm Coalition et al v. EPA handed down by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals concerning dicamba product registrations. Three of the dicamba herbicides were included: XtendiMax®, Engenia and FeXapan Herbicide. The Court found that USEPA failed to adequately account for risks and “made multiple errors in granting the conditional registrations.” KARA has spoken with Kansas state regulators who instructed that the purchase and application of the products in Kansas is not yet prohibited. Seasonal application can continue until instructed otherwise. KARA has recently...