GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

S	1 

SENATE BILL 944*

Short Title:  Robeson Farmers Market Funds.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senator Parnell.
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Referred to:  Appropriations.
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April 19, 1989

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE ROBESON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET.
Whereas, the Robeson County Farmers Market has operated successfully in Lumberton on an annual basis since 1980; and
Whereas, the market enjoyed the use of a shelter provided by a local business from 1980 to 1986, but has since been in three different locations and no longer has the use of a shelter; and
Whereas, the lack of a shelter creates considerable hardship for vendors, some of whom are elderly, and also results in a loss of quality in the produce sold; and
Whereas, the market allows small and part-time farmers, some of them on fixed incomes, to increase their income by the direct sale of their own produce; and
Whereas, the market allows farmers to experiment with vegetable crops on a limited basis with an assured market before deciding whether to expand their acreage, thus having assisted in the introduction of crops such as trellised tomatoes and broccoli in the area; and
Whereas, the market enjoys strong support in the community, which recognizes the value of a centralized source of fresh, locally-grown vegetables; and
Whereas, a stable, thriving farmers market which offers a diversity of produce throughout the growing season can be a legitimate tourist attraction; and
Whereas, the Robeson County Board of Commissioners has shown its support for the farmers market by purchasing a 2.5 acre site for the permanent location of the market; and
Whereas, attempts to establish a permanent market without requesting substantial assistance from the State were unsuccessful, and the success of the project hinges largely on State funding; and
Whereas, many counties across the State have received State funding to assist in the construction of local farmers markets; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture the sum of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) for the 1989-90 fiscal year for a grant-in-aid to Robeson County for a farmers market.
Sec. 2.  This act shall become effective July 1, 1989.