Missouri Agriculture Updates: COVID-19 Transportation Updates. SBA Disaster Loans. Specialty Crop Block Grant Deadline.

Missouri Department of Agriculture sent this bulletin at 03/24/2020 02:34 PM CDT
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Missouri Agriculture Updates

March 24, 2020

Trucking Allowance

Keeping the supply chain moving: Transportation requirements relaxed

On March 17, the Missouri Department of Transportation expanded the motor carrier weight allowance to 100,000 lbs. for 53 ft. trailers (or longer) on non-interstate roads. This allowance applies to livestock, poultry and feed. If you would like to haul these commodities on interstate roads, you must apply for a permit from MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services by calling 1-866-831-6277.

On March 18, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a National Emergency Declaration allowing hours-of-service relief for commercial vehicles delivering direct relief in response to COVID-19 (medical, food, temporary housing, etc.). This declaration includes livestock and ethanol.

MoDOT is also temporarily suspended all Missouri International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement trip and fuel permit requirements, including fees, for vehicles not currently registered for interstate travel in Missouri during the declared COVID-19 emergency. A copy of the Trip and Fuel waiver document, available on MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services webpage must be retained in each vehicle operating under this waiver and retained with the records kept by the driver for audit purposes.

For information and stress-resources available during the COVID-19 emergency, click here.
small business

SBA approves disaster declaration for Missouri

On Monday, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Missouri's request for assistance through the federal agency's disaster loan program. 

This move makes low interest disaster loans available to small businesses and private non-profits severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for each affected small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

For more information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/Disaster.
tomatoes

Department announces grants for Missouri specialty crop producers

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Interested individuals, community organizations and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri should submit their application by March 27, 2020.

“We are proud to bring this grant opportunity to Missouri for our specialty crop farmers,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “Our team continues to support this important sector of the agriculture industry in our state by providing avenues to increase business development opportunities through research, innovation and value-added agriculture.”

USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, honey, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The Department offers this grant program to expand markets on local, regional and international levels, develop distribution channels for specialty crops, and catalyze education, research, marketing, promotion, food safety strategies and crop-specific solutions for pests and diseases.

To learn more about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, click here!

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We can all do our part during this COVID-19 emergency. One of the best ways to help limit the spread of COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

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