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--- version:Edition 1
+++ version:Filed
@@ -1,21 +1,21 @@
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
 SESSION 2025
-S 1
-SENATE BILL 313
+S D
+SENATE BILL DRS15129-MHa-71
 
 Short Title: Supporting Small Farmers for NC's Future Act. (Public)
 Sponsors: Senators Smith and Everitt (Primary Sponsors).
-Referred to: Rules and Operations of the Senate
-March 18, 2025
-*S313-v-1*
+Referred to:
+
+*DRS15129-MHa-71*
 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
-AN ACT TO SUPPORT SM ALL FARMERS IN NORTH  CAROLINA BY PROVIDI NG 2
+AN ACT TO SUPPORT SMALL FARMERS IN NORTH CAROLINA BY PROVIDING 2
 GRANT FUNDING TO ENSURE THE FUTURE VIABILITY OF NORTH CAROLINA'S 3
 FAMILY FARMS. 4
 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 5
 SECTION 1.  Findings and Purpose. – The General Assembly finds that decades of 6
 barriers to entry, rising land prices, and economic consolidation have led to the loss of millions 7
-of acres of land farmed by small farmers. The General Assembly further finds that financ ial 8
+of acres of land farmed by small farmers. The General Assembly further finds that financial 8
 assistance through targeted grants can help address disparities and contribute to the long -term 9
 success of small farmers. The purpose of this act is to support the viability and sustainability of 10
 small farmers in North Carolina by providing financial assistance to support these farmers. 11
@@ -44,8 +44,12 @@
 Small Farmer Grant Fund (Fund) is established as a special revenue fund. The Fund shall consist 34
 of gifts, grants, and donations from non -State entities and General Fund appropriations for the 35
 support of the Program established by this Article. The Fund shall be used for the provision of 36
+FILED SENATE
+Mar 17, 2025
+S.B. 313
+PRINCIPAL CLERK
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
-Page 2  Senate Bill 313-First Edition
+Page 2  DRS15129-MHa-71
 grants to eligible individuals for essential inputs, equipment, and operational improvements to 1
 their farming operations. 2
 (b) Grants. – Grants from the Fund are subject to the following procedures and 3
@@ -54,7 +58,7 @@
 and in a manner approved by the Commissioner. 6
 (2) The Commissioner may establish priorities for grants among all eligible 7
 individuals based on criteria that include farm size, income levels, and 8
-economic hardship, inc luding lack of access to capital and operational 9
+economic hardship, including  lack of access to capital and operational 9
 support. 10
 (3) The Commissioner may establish  tiered maximum grant amounts  based on 11
 financial hardship, demonstrated need, and other criteria the Department feels 12
@@ -65,9 +69,9 @@
 (c) The Department shall establish an advisory committee to monitor the Program's 17
 effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements. 18
 (d) The Department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this Article." 19
-SECTION 3.   Funding. – The sum of fift een million dollars ($15,000,000) in 20
-recurring funds for the 2025 -2026 fiscal year is appropriated from the General Fund to the 21
+SECTION 3.   Funding. – The sum of fifteen million dollars ($1 5,000,000) in 20
+recurring funds for the 202 5-2026 fiscal year is appropriated from the General Fund to the 21
 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the Small Farmer Grant Fund established 22
-in G.S. 106-749, as enacted by Secti on 2 of this act, to be used for the Small Farmers Support 23
+in G.S. 106-749, as enacted by Section 2 of this act , to be used for the Small Farmers Support 23
 Grant Program. 24
 SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2025. 25