North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler issued a statement following Governor Josh Stein’s signing of Executive Order No. 20. The order comes as Hurricane Erin approaches, with forecasts indicating the storm could have significant effects on the state.
Troxler highlighted the importance of the move for those in agriculture. “North Carolina’s farm community is no stranger to dealing with hurricanes and know what needs to be done ahead of the storm to help limit damage. The waiving of some motor vehicle regulations related to agriculture is a big help to farmers readying their farms for bad weather,” he said.
The executive order allows farmers more flexibility in transporting agricultural goods and supplies by temporarily suspending certain motor vehicle regulations, including limits on hours of service for drivers. This measure aims to help farmers harvest crops and move livestock, poultry, feed, and other resources before Hurricane Erin arrives. The suspension will remain in effect for 14 days.
“This Executive Order will allow our farmers the opportunity to harvest as much of their crops as they can before the storm hits and will help ensure that livestock, poultry, crops and feed can be moved as needed. The order also temporarily suspends the maximum hours of service for drivers. This order remains in effect for the next 14 days,” Troxler stated.
He also urged preparation among those in agriculture: “I urge farmers to take this storm seriously and do what you can now to be prepared. Check your generators, fuel and emergency kits. We don’t know what impact this storm will have yet on our state. But we do know that preparation saves lives and protects property.”
Executive Order No. 20 is available at https://governor.nc.gov/executive-order-no-20-declaration-state-emergency-and-temporary-waiver-and-suspension-motor-vehicle.
