Governor issues emergency executive order to increase fertilizer access for Minnesota farmers

Gov. Mark Dayton recently signed Emergency Executive Order 18-07, to deliver emergency relief from regulations incorporated in Minnesota Statutes, section 221.0314, subdivision 9, pertaining to hours of service for motor carriers and drivers delivering fertilizers in Minnesota.

Due to the late spring, Minnesota farmers are facing a delayed and shortened planting season. This delay has resulted in farmers from multiple states starting field work at the same time, causing a regional fertilizer shortage, and requiring drivers to travel further distances to acquire product. The Governor’s Emergency Executive Order will provide temporary relief from regulations on the hours drivers can work, to help ensure a sufficient supply of fertilizer and other resources are available to farmers to complete planting.