NC H317

Appropriates $165,000 in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2021-2022 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for grants to create beekeeping programs at high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters in North Carolina.

Eligible grant expenses include hive equipment and materials, protective gear, queens and honeybee packages, and up to two persons per grant for beekeeping certification courses through the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association.

Limits grant funding to a maximum of $1,500 per county per FFA chapter, with chapters required to provide matching funds as specified by the Department.

Requires the Department to recover grant awards if the beekeeping program is not maintained for at least three school years.

Allows the Department to spend up to $15,000 from the appropriated funds for administrative costs and program promotion, with temporary rules to be adopted by the Board of Agriculture; act becomes effective July 1, 2021.