RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement regarding Gov. Pat McCrory’s issuance of Executive Orders 107 and 108 in preparation for Hurricane Matthew:

“With the potential impact of Hurricane Matthew later this week and the threat of severe economic loss of livestock, poultry and crops, I am very appreciative that Gov. McCrory has issued a state of emergency for 66 counties in eastern and central North Carolina. At my recommendation and as allowed by state law, the Governor has directed the Department of Public Safety to temporarily suspend weighing vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry, feed and crops in the emergency area.

“These Executive Orders will allow our farmers the opportunity to harvest as much of their crops as possible before the storm hits. The orders also will help ensure that livestock, poultry and feed can be moved as necessary.

“Although this storm may change course, we are monitoring the situation closely, and are working proactively because of the amount of crops still in fields. We urge everyone to take this situation seriously and take precautions as the storm moves toward North Carolina.”