TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced that the Executive Order relaxing trucking restrictions so farmers can transport freeze-vulnerable crops has been extended. The order, which was set to expire on January 7, has been extended for an additional seven days.
The Emergency Order was originally requested by Commissioner Charles Bronson on December 10 just prior to the freeze. Commissioner Putnam said that by receiving this extension, farmers would have the necessary additional time to continue harvesting and transporting affected crops to processing and retail facilities before they deteriorate. The extension will give the agriculture industry time to harvest crops without overloading processing facilities.
Commissioner Putnam has alerted organizations representing the state’s agricultural producers and trucking interests of the Governor’s action so they can load and transport crops in accordance with the relaxed highway restrictions. Florida’s growers produce nearly all the nation’s domestically produced fresh fruits and vegetables during the winter.
For information about the weight, height, length and width restrictions for vehicles transporting crops on Florida’s highways, and information about DOT Road Use Permit Letters, visit http://www.fdotmaint.com/PermitNew/home.asp.
For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit http://www.FreshFromFlorida.com.