Governor Abigail Spanberger today declared a State of Emergency to support Virginia farmers and producers in response to the statewide hay shortage caused by ongoing drought conditions.
Governor Spanberger’s Executive Order 21 allows hay to be transported quickly and efficiently to farms across the Commonwealth by granting over-width exemption waivers to carriers transporting essential agricultural supplies of hay in any part of Virginia — accelerating feed delivery to farms and livestock producers. These waivers will help make sure farms can maintain operations and protect livestock health as persistent drought conditions have caused a statewide hay shortfall of 500,000 tons — or approximately 1 billion pounds. The declaration also provides access to emergency funding, activates price gouging protections, and authorizes additional measures if necessary.
“The drought has placed real pressure on livestock producers across Virginia,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “Today, I am declaring a State of Emergency to make sure we can address the significant hay shortage facing the Commonwealth and keep farmers on solid footing heading into the winter. This waiver will help us move critical hay resources more quickly so farms can prepare for the months ahead, feed livestock, and sustain their operations.”
Governor Spanberger continued, “While we have seen improvement in drought conditions in some areas of the Commonwealth in recent weeks, the impacts of this prolonged dry period are still being felt by producers across Virginia.
Source : virginia.gov