Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has issued a statement following Governor Josh Stein’s signing of Executive Order 26, which temporarily waives certain motor vehicle regulations for agricultural operations in North Carolina. The order comes as the state faces the threat of tropical storms and heavy rainfall.
“Storm activity is high with the potential to cause localized flooding depending on the ultimate track of these storms in the Atlantic. I know farmers are busy harvesting the crops they can while keeping an eye on the weather forecasts and preparing for the possibility of heavy rains and potential flooding. The waiver of these specific ag-related motor vehicle regulations is a big help to farmers readying their farms for bad weather,” Troxler said.
He emphasized that, under the executive order, “the Governor has directed the Department of Public Safety to temporarily suspend weighing vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry, feed and crops in the state.”
The executive order aims to give farmers more flexibility as they work to harvest crops ahead of possible severe weather. It also allows for easier movement of livestock, poultry, crops, and feed by suspending maximum hours of service for drivers. Troxler stated: “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.”
Troxler urged farmers to prepare: “Take the steps you can now to be prepared. Check your generators, fuel and emergency kits. We don’t know yet what impact this storm will have on our state. But we do know that preparation saves lives and protects property.”
The full text of Executive Order 26 is available at https://governor.nc.gov/executive-order-26-declaration-state-emergency-and-temporary-waiver-and-suspension-motor-vehicle.
