NC H617

Establishes the Small Farmers Support Grant Program within the NC Department of Agriculture to provide grants to farmers with gross cash farm income of $300,000 or less who earn at least $1,000 annually from farming operations

Appropriates $20 million in recurring funds for fiscal year 2025-2026: $12 million for general program grants, $3 million for cold storage equipment, $4 million to Carolina Farm Steward Association's FarmsSHARE program, and $1 million for bridge loans to help farmers access federal USDA EQIP funding

Eligible grant uses include mechanized harvest/crop management equipment, farm infrastructure such as livestock fencing, and food processing equipment

Lowers the income threshold for farmers to qualify for sales tax exemptions from $10,000 to $7,500 in annual farming income

Effective July 1, 2025, with the Department permitted to retain up to 1% of funds for administrative costs and establish up to two new staff positions