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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear: ‘No New Regulations for America’s Agricultural Community’ Good for Kentucky Farmers
Federal officials say states can use existing safety rules for transporting products
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Governor Steve Beshear today joined Kentucky farmers in support of a decision this week by federal officials to keep current guidelines governing the transport of agricultural products by farmers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA announced Wednesday its decision for no new regulations on America’s agriculture community regarding the transport of agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm.
Instead, the agency released guidance designed to ensure states clearly understand the common sense exemptions that allow farmers, their employees, and their families to accomplish their day-to-day work and to transport their products to market.
“Earlier this year, the nation’s farm communities voiced their concern about being subjected to new and impractical safety regulations,” Gov. Beshear said. “I am pleased that federal officials heard their concerns and took swift action. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy and do not need burdensome guidelines to impede their hard work.”
The guidelines, which do not impose any new rules on the agricultural community, follow the Federal Register public notice which FMCSA issued on May 31, 2011, asking farmers, farm organizations and the public to give input on the agency’s longstanding safety rules.
After hearing from concerned farmers, FMCSA initiated a review to make sure states don't “go overboard” in enforcing regulations on agricultural operators and to ensure consistent access to exemptions for farmers. In doing so, FMCSA noticed wide differences among states.
In order to ensure consistency, FMCSA asked state officials to cease all new entrant safety audits on farmers engaged in "crop-share" leasing and issued the public notice soliciting input that would provide insight on the complex use of farm equipment on public roads.
This guidance, released Wednesday, is based on that input and clarifies three critical issues: interstate versus intrastate commerce, commercial driver's license and implements of husbandry.
In making its announcement this week, FMCSA emphasized its commitment to the safety of the nation’s highways and the long-term success of America's agricultural industry. More information is available at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
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