North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler issued a statement following Governor Josh Stein’s Executive Order No. 20, which waives certain motor vehicle regulations for agricultural operations in anticipation of Hurricane Erin.
Troxler emphasized the importance of the measure for the state’s farmers as they prepare for potential storm damage. “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 enables farmers to harvest crops before the hurricane arrives and facilitates the movement of livestock, poultry, crops, and feed. It also temporarily suspends maximum hours of service for drivers involved in these activities. The order will remain effective for 14 days.
“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,” Troxler added.
Details about Executive Order No. 20 are available at https://governor.nc.gov/executive-order-no-20-declaration-state-emergency-and-temporary-waiver-and-suspension-motor-vehicle.
