Bismarck  (CSi) — Agriculture and food have been deemed essential industries by the Dept of Homeland Security, and Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring reminds people that beekeepers and their employees are included in that definition.

Goehring says, “When you see beekeepers working in apiaries or riding in trucks together, understand that they are engaged in the production of food. They live and work together like family. Our producers also work closely with each other during calving and planting season. These professions are not conducive to social distancing.”

Goehring adds, “We understand that a lot of beekeepers are returning to the state from other states and they have been asked to isolate from the public, but understand that they still have to care for and manage their bees.In the event that someone is ill, we ask that beekeepers respond accordingly and isolate themselves.”