H798 - NC Healthy Soils Act Summary

• Establishes the Healthy Soils and Watershed Program within the Division of Soil and Water Conservation of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide financial incentives and technical assistance to farmers for improving soil health.

• Creates the Healthy Soils and Watershed Fund to support grants, research, technical assistance, and outreach, with at least 25% of funds designated for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers as defined under federal law.

• Authorizes the Department to make grants and incentives to farmers, foresters, and agricultural cooperatives to implement healthy soil practices including conservation tillage, cover-cropping, compost application, and planned grazing.

• Directs the Commission to develop outreach materials, train technical service providers, establish soil and water sampling protocols, and develop equitable grant criteria for producers across diverse agricultural systems.

• Requires annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly detailing program receipts, expenditures, project effectiveness, and recommendations for additional funding or legislation.