A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the legislative research commission to study methods of PROVIDING assistance to dairy farmers.
Whereas, it is in the best interests of the citizens of North Carolina to have a safe and dependable local supply of fresh and wholesome Grade A milk; and
Whereas, dairy farmers have faced severe economic hardship in recent years due to factors beyond their control; and
Whereas, the number of dairy farms and the amount of milk production in North Carolina have declined considerably in recent years; and
Whereas, the consumer demand for milk has outpaced the local supply; and
Whereas, the current federal dairy program does not provide sustainable market prices for dairy farmers in the South; and
Whereas, the United States Congress has yet to ratify the Southern Dairy Compact, Article 68 of Chapter 106 of the General Statutes; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission shall study methods of providing assistance to North Carolina dairy farmers.
SECTION 2.  The Legislative Research Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the 2004 Regular Session of the 2003 General Assembly.
SECTION 3.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly for the Legislative Research Commission the sum of twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the 2003‑2004 fiscal year for the costs of conducting the study authorized by this act.
SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2003.