Bill > S313

This bill establishes the Small Farmers Support Grant Program in North Carolina to provide financial assistance to small farmers facing economic challenges. The program defines an "eligible individual" as a resident farmer at least 21 years old who earns at least $1,000 annually from farming and has a gross cash farm income of $1,000,000 or less. The grant program will be administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with the Commissioner of Agriculture having the authority to establish grant priorities based on farm size, income levels, and economic hardship. Applicants will submit applications for grants that can be used for essential inputs, equipment, and operational improvements. The program will be funded by a special revenue fund consisting of gifts, grants, donations, and a $15 million General Fund appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The Commissioner may retain up to 1% of appropriated funds for administrative costs and will establish an advisory committee to monitor the program's effectiveness. An important goal of the program is to address long-standing barriers to entry for small farmers, such as rising land prices and economic consolidation, by providing targeted financial support to help ensure the sustainability of family farms in North Carolina. The program is set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S313