GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 708*

Short Title:  Funds for Agricultural Programs/NCSU.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives Brown, James; Albertson, Mercer, Loflin, Easterling, Weatherly, and Buchanan.
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Referred to:  Education.
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March 20, 1989

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS IN RESEARCH AND EXTENSION AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY.
Whereas, agriculture is North Carolina's largest industry, generating over four billion five hundred million dollars ($4,500,000,000) of gross farm income and twenty billion dollars ($20,000,000,000) of value added through processing, marketing and distribution; and
Whereas, nearly one-third of all the jobs in North Carolina are related to the food and fiber industry; and
Whereas, funds invested in agricultural research and development have returned dividends to the State in such ways as increased income and tax revenues amounting to twenty to fifty percent (20-50%) per year, as estimated by United States Department of Agriculture economists; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina the sum of four million five hundred six thousand six hundred seventy-seven dollars ($4,506,677) for the 1989-90 fiscal year, and the sum of six million twenty-two thousand four hundred twenty-one dollars ($6,022,421) for the 1990-91 fiscal year, to be used for the expansion and enhancement of research and extension programs of the Agricultural Research and Extension Services at North Carolina State University. In accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, funds appropriated under this section shall be used as follows:
(a) To sustain the competitiveness of North Carolina agriculture:  In order to compete in world markets, North Carolina producers need the most efficient and effective management techniques and marketing strategies.  They need to maximize returns and minimize environmental impact. They also need help in expanding the range of commodities raised and marketed.  Funds allocated will be used for administrative support and to provide operational funds, support personnel, and equipment update in the areas of: livestock, horticultural crops, management and field crops, poultry, biotechnology and biological sciences, and alternative agricultural products.
(b) To revitalize rural North Carolina: The vitality of many rural areas in North Carolina is threatened by declines in farmland values, fierce international competition, and loss of manufacturing jobs.  Loss of income and employment opportunities has increased family and individual stress.  Many rural communities urgently need economic development, improved health care and housing, stronger institutions, and energetic leadership.  Funds allocated will be used for rural development research and rural extension centers.
(c) To enhance North Carolina's natural resource base: High quality water resources are vital to the health and well-being of all North Carolinians.  Rural enterprises depend on development and implementation of environmentally sound management practices for soil, forests, cropland, watersheds, estuaries, and other natural resources.  Funds allocated will be used for water quality protection and promotion; forestry and wildlife utilization and enhancement; and control of soil erosion and depletion.
(d) To enhance the nutrition, diet and health of North Carolinians: The Extension Service is the State's major source of the impartial, science-based nutritional information that consumers need about recommended dietary practices for improving health and well-being.  The State's food processing industries and commodity producers need assistance in adapting their technologies or practices in order to market the safest, most healthful products.  Funds allocated will be used for nutrition research, education, and improvement.
(e) For aquaculture:  Aquaculture has great potential to become a major component of North Carolina's agribusiness in all regions of the State. Production of freshwater species and marine fish and shellfish offers diverse opportunities.  NCSU needs to expand its research and extension programs in support of this promising industry through construction of suitable research facilities and acquisition of additional scientists.  Funds allocated will be used for aquaculture study and development in the areas of aquaculture and mariculture, seafood processing and education, economics of the aquaculture industry, and aquatic medicine and fish disease.
Sec. 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 1989.