Area farmers to attend DOT training seminar, public invited

The Columbia County Farm Bureau is hosting a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Educational Seminar to discuss current rules, regulations and laws pertaining to hauling agricultural products and moving farm equipment on public roads in Florida. The meeting is primarily for farmers in Suwannee, Hamilton and Columbia counties.

This meeting will be held April 30 at 6 p.m. in Entertainment Building at the Columbia County Fairgrounds located on Hwy 247 in Lake City. The seminar is co-sponsored by Hunter Oil Co, Tri County Irrigation, and surrounding county Farm Bureaus. The event has is endorsed of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation will give a presentation, explain the rules and regulations as they pertain to agricultural operations and answer questions for area producers.

In addition to reviewing regulations governing hauling agricultural products and moving farm equipment over the road systems, a discussion will be held on the movement of hazardous materials and fuel to and from farming operations, and what needs to be in place to be in compliance with the current laws.

Florida Farm Bureau played an integral role in getting legislation passed last year to allow for easier movement of farm equipment from one farming site to another.

Charlie Crawford, president of the Columbia County Farm Bureau, encouraged farmers to attend the meeting.

“This is an excellent opportunity for us gain information about DOT rules. DOT, by statute, will enforce all the laws that are on the books, and local farmers and producers need to know what the requirements are in order to be in compliance,” he said.

Crawford pointed out that Farm Bureau exists to help farmers and producers in many areas of their businesses.

“If attending this meeting and learning about the DOT requirements prevents our local farmers from receiving fines and citations, then we have succeeded in our efforts,” he said.

“Agriculture remains an important industry in our nation and the Farm Bureau is there to insure that our farmers are treated fairly.”

For more information, or to attend the seminar contact the Columbia County Farm Bureau Office at (386) 752-4003.