In accordance with Whitmer’s EO 2020-21, and to protect the public health, the following components of the Michigan food and agriculture sector are deemed essential:

• Workers supporting groceries, pharmacies, and other retail that sells food and beverage products.
• Workers supporting and operating gasoline stations.
• Restaurant carry-out and quick-serve food operations; carry-out and delivery food employees.
• Food manufacturer employees and their supplier employees including those employed in food processing facilities (packers, meat processing, cheese plants, milk plants, produce, etc.); livestock, poultry, seafood slaughter facilities; pet and animal feed processing facilities; human food facilities producing by-products for animal food; beverage production facilities; and the production of food packaging.
• Farm workers including those employed in animal food, feed, and ingredient production, packaging, and distribution; manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of veterinary drugs; truck delivery and transport; farm and fishery labor needed to produce our food supply domestically.
• Workers who care for animals at veterinary clinics, animal shelters and research facilities. Veterinary clinics should only be performing essential life-saving procedures; all other non-essential procedures should be delayed.
• Farm workers and support service workers including those who plant, grow, and harvest agricultural commodities; commodity inspections; fuel ethanol facilities; storage facilities; and other agricultural inputs.
• Employees and firms supporting food, feed, and beverage distribution, including warehouse workers, vendor-managed inventory controllers, and blockchain managers.
• Workers supporting the sanitation of all food manufacturing processes and operations from wholesale to retail.
• Company cafeterias, specifically in-plant cafeterias, used to feed employees.
• Workers in food testing labs in private industries and in institutions of higher education.
• Workers essential for assistance programs and government payments.
• Employees of companies engaged in the production of chemicals, medicines, vaccines, and other substances used by the food and agriculture industry, including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, minerals, enrichments, and other agricultural production aids.
• Animal agriculture workers including those employed in veterinary health; manufacturing and distribution of animal medical materials, animal vaccines, animal drugs, feed ingredients, feed, bedding, etc.; transportation of live animals, animal medical materials; deceased animals for disposal; raising of animals for food; animal production operations; slaughter and packing plants; and associated regulatory and government workforce.
• Workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including but not limited to timber, paper, and other wood products.
• Employees engaged in the manufacture and maintenance of equipment and other infrastructure necessary to agricultural production and distribution.

MDARD has established an email address for industry, stakeholders, and consumers to submit questions and/or get clarification on specific areas of concern. MDARD-COVID19@michigan.gov

From <https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/ag-employers-tips-to-comply-with-michigan-s-stay-home-stay-safe-order-executive-order>

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek legal counsel for advice relevant to your situation.

US exporters are reporting large sales of U.S. corn and wheat to China.  The USDA announced on Friday, March 20, export sales of 756,000 metric tons of US corn and 340,000 tons of hard red winter wheat.  The corn sale is for delivery in the 2019-20 marketing year.  The wheat sale is for 2020-21 and is more than China purchased in all of the 2019 calendar year, according to USDA data.  "China's reappearance in the market with a major corn purchase is encouraging," US Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand stated.  US Wheat Associates President Vince Peterson expressed appreciation "for the efforts of both the US and Chinese governments to reach the phase one trade agreement that has helped re-open the door to US wheat imports by China."

For more information see  <https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/13335-chinese-make-big-purchase-of-us-corn-and-wheat>

The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered the State's trial courts to "limit court activity to only essential functions."  We recognize that to anyone involved with the courts, whether through Estate Administration, Guardianship Proceedings or any other process, there is no such thing as a routine matter.  However, in an effort to protect everyone's health, the Court's have taken this unprecedented step to limit exposure to Clients and court personnel to the COVID-19 virus.  Many routine proceedings have been rescheduled to a later date.  Additionally, the Court will be making increased use of video technology where it is necessary and possible to do so.  We ask for your patience and understanding as the Courts continue to grapple with this new environment and as new procedures continue to develop.

Please contact us if you are concerned about the impact of the Court's decision on your current situation.  Be assured that many legal matters, including estate and business planning concerns, can be fully addressed at this time.

With respect to Probate matters, "essential functions" of the Court includes:

• Emergency petitions for Guardianship
• Estates where immediate access to residence is necessary under MCL 700.5407
• Petitions for immediate funeral / burial arrangements pursuant to MCL 700.3206 and 700.3614.
• Emergency petitions filed by Adult Protective Services, matters involving protective orders, and matters involving involuntary mental health treatment or hospitalization.

The Court may also hear other emergency orders at its discretion.  Additionally, the Courts are working with the County Clerks' offices to ensure that court pleadings will continue to be accepted by other means in the event that in-person filing is limited due to the state of emergency. This order is in effect through April 3, 2020 but may be extended if conditions warrant.