COVID-19 | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

COVID-19 Resources

The COVID-19 situation in Iowa is changing rapidly. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working alongside the Governor’s office, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor the situation closely. This page will be updated as additional information becomes available, based on guidance from the CDC and IDPH.

Options for Pesticide Applicators

On April 2, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a Proclamation that temporarily suspends the regulatory provisions in Iowa Codes § 206.5(3), 206.5(4) and 206.6(1) for the duration of the Proclamation and any future extensions.

First-time commercial pesticide applicators who obtain a private applicator certification can be employed and operate under the instructions and control of a certified commercial applicator.
Individuals can take the private applicator certification test online during this public health emergency.
First-time commercial, public or private applicators can apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator without an applicator certification.
Commercial cleaning services can apply disinfecting or sanitizing pesticides indoors where humans live, work, or congregate without a commercial pesticide applicator license

Additional details about these waivers are available here.

Pesticide license applications and payments can now be completed online through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s new pesticide self-service portal at iowaagriculture.force.com/pesticideapplicator.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created delays in processing and mailing pesticide applicator cards and certifications. Applicators can view the status of their certifications on the Department’s public search portal.

Questions can be directed to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Pesticide Bureau at pesticides@iowaagriculture.gov or 515-281-8591.

Register for Temporary Private Certification Online Exam (This waiver only applies to agricultural-land applications. It does not include aerial, lawn, turf or pest control applications.)

Compliance Guidance for Previously Certified Applicators in Response to COVID-19 | Updated 3/26/20

Compliance Guidance for First-Time Pesticide Applicators in Response to COVID-19 | Updated 4/13/20

Memorandum: Distribution of Restricted Use Pesticides to Certified Applicators

More information on pesticide testing

ISU Extension and Outreach 2020 Commercial Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) Reshow week | Dec. 14-18, 2020

State Registered Pesticides for Use Against COVID-19

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship pesticide program oversees safe and judicious use of pesticides in Iowa. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a list of disinfectants by EPA Product Number (primary registrant) for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19. For more information, contact pesticides@iowaagriculture.gov or 515-281-8591.

Food Safety

The Centers for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, and the European Food Safety Authority are in full agreement that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 has spread through food or food packaging. Previous coronavirus epidemics likewise showed no evidence of having been spread through food or packaging, according to an article from ISU Extension and Outreach.

No Evidence COVID-19 Is Transmitted through Food and Food Packaging | ISU Extension and Outreach

Food safety and the coronavirus disease | FDA

Specialty Crop Producers Resources

USDA AMS

Selling Foods to USDA

USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) | (provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic)

COVID-19: Iowa Business Recovery Assistance | Iowa Economic Development

USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans

USDA Farmers to Families Food Box

ISU Technical assistance available for food systems on COVID-19 response

Social Media Tips for COVID-19 for Iowa Farmers Market Managers and Vendors

Farmers Markets

On June 10, Gov. Reynolds signed a Proclamation stating that gatherings of more than 10 people may be held, including farmers markets, but only if the gathering complies with all other relevant provisions in the Proclamation and the following requirements:

(1) Social distancing: The gathering organizer must ensure at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individual attending alone.

(2) Other social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures: The gathering organizer shall also implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each gathering to ensure social distancing of gathering participants, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health and, for any food service, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

Guidance for Farmers Markets | IDALS, IDPH, DIA, ISU Extension

Guidance for Farmers Markets (Multiple Languages) | Iowa Department of Human Rights

FAQ for Farmers Markets | DIA

Farmers Market and U-Pick Best Practices and Regulations | ISU Extension

Farmers Market Nutrition Programs

COVID-19 Notice of Suspension of Enforcement of Certain Farmers Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Requirements Concerning Permanent Farmstands and Vendor Certification

Auction Markets

COVID-19 is currently circulating in Iowa communities. All Iowa businesses have a responsibility to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is critical that all auctions, including livestock auction markets institute immediate changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their staff, sellers, and buyers.

On Nov. 16, Gov. Reynolds signed a Proclamation that affects auctions.

Special Event Auctions

Indoor gatherings of more than 15 people are prohibited. All people present, two years of age and older must wear a mask or face covering when in an indoor space that is open to the public and within six feet of individuals that are not members of their household for 15 minutes or longer.
Outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people are prohibited. All people present, two years of age and older must wear a mask or face covering when in an indoor space that is open to the public and within six feet of individuals that are not members of their household for 15 minutes or longer.

Regularly-Scheduled Auctions, such as Sale Barns and Livestock Markets

All people two years of age and older must wear a mask or face covering when in an indoor space that is open to the public and within six feet of individuals that are not members of their household for 15 minutes or longer.

Guidance for Auction Markets | Updated 6/17

Inspections

The Department will continue business-critical dairy, meat and poultry and livestock inspections during the COVID-19 outbreak. Inspectors are following increased biosecurity protocols and will call ahead before visiting a licensee's facility.

Animal and Livestock Care

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working with state and federal public and animal health officials to monitor it closely.

At this time, the CDC and the World Health Organization do not believe animals play a role in the transmission of COVID-19, but we always encourage animal owners to practice good biosecurity. This includes washing your hands frequently.

If you are sick, try to limit contact with your animals until we learn more about COVID-19. If possible, find someone else to care for the animal(s) until you are feeling better.
If your animal appears to be sick, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

This is a good reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness. You should have a plan to care for your animals if any situation, including a disease-outbreak or natural disaster, temporarily disrupts daily activities.

Guidance for Facilities Handling Animals and Interacting with the Public | IDALS and IDPH

SARS-CoV-2 in animals, including pets | American Veterinary Medical Association

FAQs for Veterinarians and Veterinary Clinics | American Veterinary Medical Association

Animal Services' Role in COVID-19 Support | University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine

Interim recommendations for intake of companion animals from households where humans with COVID-19 are present | American Veterinary Medical Association

Infection prevention and control guidance for veterinary clinics | CDC