Disaster planning for farms and agribusinesses

Disasters. You can't predict when a tornado, hurricane, hazmat or other emergency will strike your business. But you can be prepared and have a plan in case something does happen. Farms, ranches, food warehouses, pesticide dealers and more all have different needs, but the planning basics are the same. Click around. Use the preparedness tools, and in case of a disaster, come back and find the links for assistance.

Recent Updates:

Hurricane Michael

• Executive Order #74 : North Carolina Declaration of a State of Emergency
• Executive Order #75 : North Carolina Transportation Waiver - Temporary suspension of motor vehicle regulations to ensure restoration of utility services and transporting essentials.

Hurricane Florence

• U.S. Small Business Administration opens business recovery centers in North Carolina. SBA representatives at the centers can provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and assist businesses in completing the SBA application. (9-24-18)
  
  
• Executive Order #62 : NC DOT Debris Removal. Conditions currently exist across NC where hurricane-related debris on both private property and public rights-of-way is far more widespread than is typical in the aftermath of a hurricane. In counties designated by FEMA for public assistance, NCDOT is hereby authorized to conduct and arrange for Hurricane-related debris removal. (9-23-18)
  
  
• UPDATE: Responder Warning Reminder: Statement from NCDA&CS, N.C. Cattlemen's Association and NCSU Cooperative Extension (9-22-18)
  
  
• Flooded crops cannot be used for human food: NCDA&CS, NCSU to help farms divert crops to animal feed with proper testing. (9-21-18)
  
  
• Important Disaster Programs for Pasture-Based Livestock Farmers: Producers incurring losses of livestock and damage to fences, pastures, hay and feed as a result of Hurricane Florence need to use photos and maps to document the nature and extent of their losses in preparation for applying for disaster response programs. (9-20-18)
  
  
• Post-flood cleanup and disposal assistance for pesticides (9-19-18)

• NCDA&CS extends deadline for private pesticide applicators seeking recertifcation until Nov. 30 (9-18-18)

• Executive Order 57: Temporary Suspension of Enforcement on Certain Regulations Related to the Use of Nonhighway Diesel Fuel.  This allows for the use of non-highway diesel (dyed diesel) to be used on highways.  (9-16-18)

  • NOTE:  North Carolina Petroleum & Convenience Marketers (NCPCM) cautions members and their customers that the use of dyed fuel for on highway purposes should only be undertaken in the most extreme circumstances. Concentrations of dye in fuel is extremely difficult to remove from the fuel system of a vehicle once introduced. We caution that future checks of on-road taxed fuel could exhibit traces of dye and open the question of an audit of fuel use and/or possible future penalties.
• Enforcement Discretion for Delivery of LP-Gas to Other Companies Customers. Because of the magnitude of flooding resulting from Hurricane Florence, LP-gas users may need to secure LP-gas from another source if their provider is unable to provide service. An emergency exemption allowing customers to source fuel from any provider is in effect from Sept. 16 through Sept. 30, or as counties are no longer declared disaster areas. Customers and suppliers are encouraged to document attempts to contact the original LP-gas company. (9-16-18)
• September Fuel Volatility Waiver for North Carolina. Allows for an increase in the gasoline supply that should not affect the quality of fuel. (9-12-18)
• NCDA&CS activates hotline to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Florence (9-12-18)
• Equine Inclement Weather Resources from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (9-11-18)
• Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) Health Waiver: Evacuation of Animals due to Hurricane Florence, Suspension of some Interstate Movement Requirements (9-11-18)
• Equine Inclement Weather Resources: Please see this link for possible evacuation sites and call to inquire about space availability before leaving your current site. (9-10-18)
• Statement from Agriculture Commissioner Troxler on waiving of motor vehicle regulations to help farmers. (9-8-18)
  
• Executive order No. 52: Temporary suspension of motor vehicle regulations to ensure restoration of utility services and transporting essentials (9-7-18)
  
• Executive order No. 51: Declaration of a State of Emergency (9-7-18)