NC H1052

Appropriates $3,000,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the Livestock Veterinary Care Access Program to recruit and retain veterinarians in underserved rural and economically distressed areas through loan forgiveness, equipment cost-share assistance, and service subsidies.

Appropriates $1,000,000 in recurring funds to establish the Telemedicine for Livestock Health Program in partnership with North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine to provide veterinary telehealth services to underserved livestock farmers.

Requires annual reports to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture by October 1st detailing expenditures, number of veterinarians and farmers served, employment retention lengths, and recommendations for program improvement.

Authorizes the Department to use up to 3% of appropriated funds for technical and administrative support of both programs.

Becomes effective July 1, 2024, with intent for future appropriations of 0.05% of the State's current operations and capital improvement funds.