NC H1054

Establishes the Small and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program within the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide financial assistance to eligible farmers.

Defines eligible individuals as North Carolina residents age 21 or older who are small farmers (gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less) or socially disadvantaged farmers, with annual farming income of at least $1,000.

Creates the Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Restoration Fund as a special revenue fund to support grants for essential inputs, equipment, and operational improvements, with Commissioner authority to establish priorities and tiered maximum grant amounts.

Appropriates $10,000,000 in recurring General Fund dollars for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, allowing the Department to retain up to 3% for administrative costs.

Establishes an advisory committee to monitor program effectiveness and requires the Department to adopt implementing rules; becomes effective July 1, 2024.