A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to the agricultural Advancement consortium to study the economic impact of the equine industry in north carolina and develop strategies to maximize the economic impact of this industry in the state.
Whereas, the 2005 economic impact study of the horse industry in the United States done by the American Horse Council showed a total impact of $101.5 billion: $32 billion from recreation, $28.8 billion from showing, $26.1 billion from racing, and $14.7 billion from other activities; and
Whereas, that study ranked North Carolina 8th among the states in the number of horses in the State; and
Whereas, the last survey of the equine industry in North Carolina was undertaken by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 1996; and
Whereas, no comprehensive study has ever been done to determine the economic impact of the equine industry in the State; and
Whereas, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Kentucky, and other states have recently conducted economic impact studies and have found that the equine industry contributes substantially to each state's economy. For example, Maryland determined the total economic impact of the equine industry to be $1.5 billion dollars per year, and Virginia estimated a $1 billion dollar impact with the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington alone generating in excess of $53 million; and
Whereas, a number of states also have established equine industry boards and are actively recruiting equine operations and activities; including the development of major horse parks in Maryland and Florida; and
Whereas, North Carolina is well situated as to climate, geography, and transportation routes for equine operations and activities and has an opportunity to increase its share of the equine industry dollar; and
Whereas, North Carolina was the home of Janus, the foundation sire of the American Quarter Horse; and
Whereas, Sir Archie, considered one of the foundation sires of the American Thoroughbred, lived in North Carolina during the early 1800s; and
Whereas, expansion of the equine industry would provide jobs, alternatives to tobacco production, aid in the preservation of farmland and open space, and contribute to the general welfare of the State;  Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated to the Rural Economic Development Center the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) to be allocated to the Agricultural Advancement Consortium for the purpose of assessing the numbers, composition, and value of the equine industry in North Carolina, analyzing the direct and indirect impact of the industry on the State's economy and the development of a comprehensive plan to maximize the economic opportunities presented by the industry.
SECTION 2.  The assessment of the equine industry shall provide data on both a statewide and county basis.  The assessment shall include the following:
(1)	A census of equines in the State, including numbers, breeds, and disciplines.
(2)	The value of equines in the State.
(3)	The number of equine owners.
(4)	The number of equine operations.
(5)	The size of equine operations.
(6)	The total acreage devoted to equine operations.
(7)	The value of equine-related assets.
(8)	The number of equines and owners participating in various activities within the State.
(9)	An analysis of the economic impact of the existing exhibition facilities including the Hunt Horse Complex, the Senator Bob Martin Horse Complex, the WNC Agricultural Center, and the Carolina Horse Park.
(10)	An analysis of the programs, contributions, and industry support provided by the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and other equine programs, at both private and public education institutions including the College of Agriculture and Life at North Carolina State University, Martin Community College, and St. Andrews College.
(11)	An analysis of the economic impact of breeding, training, and other horse operations.
(12)	An analysis of the economic impact of services provided to the equine industry including farrier, veterinary, design and planning, farm management and consulting, show management, and other services related to equines and equine operations.
(13)	An analysis of the economic impact, including manufacturing, agricultural production and employment, and wholesale and retail sales, of the purchase of equines, feed and grain, hay, tack and other horse equipment, riding clothes, insurance, vehicles and trailers, farm and pasture inputs, capital improvements such as barns, sheds and fencing, and real estate, including planned equestrian communities.
(14)	An analysis of the economic impact of other recreational uses of equines, including trail riding, camping with horses, therapeutic riding programs, other recreational activities, and equine-related agritourism.
(15)	An analysis of the impact of the equine industry on State and local governments including the generation of tax revenues.
SECTION 3.  The Agricultural Advancement Consortium, in developing a plan to maximize the economic impact of the equine industry, shall:
(1)	Evaluate existing equine‑related facilities, programs, and services in the State and make recommendations for enhancing those facilities, programs, and services so as to maximize their economic impact on the State.
(2)	Identify opportunities for the growth of the equine industry, including the production of feed crops, improved pasture, and high quality horse hays, attracting industry engaged in the production of horse‑related products, equipment, and pharmaceuticals, the addition of exhibition and show facilities, including the development of a world class equestrian park, and other horse‑related programs, activities, and facilities, and evaluate the potential economic contribution to the State's economy of each of these potential undertakings.
(3)	Evaluate the need to create an equine industry board tasked with the market development, education, publicity, research, and promotion of the North Carolina equine industry and other such measures it deems appropriate to promote the objectives, findings, and recommendations of the equine industry survey and analysis.
(4)	Evaluate the laws, rules, and policies that impact equine owners and persons engaged in equine activities, including land-use policies, preservation of trails, use of State recreational facilities, and tax credits and make recommendations directed toward making North Carolina more attractive to equine operations and activities.
SECTION 4.  The Agricultural Advancement Consortium may contract with other agencies of State government, any of the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina, and private consultants as it deems necessary and advisable in its conduct of the assessment and plan development.  The Agricultural Advancement Consortium shall complete its work within 12 months of the funds becoming available and shall file a report containing the results of the assessment of the equine industry and its plan for maximizing the economic impact of the equine industry with the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
SECTION 5.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.