A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT DESIGNATING THE SECOND WEDNESDAY In NOVEMBER OF EACH YEAR AS NORTH CAROLINA FARMERS APPRECIATION DAY.
Whereas, we should never forget that to remain a free nation we must maintain and improve our ability to feed and clothe ourselves; and
Whereas, the food and fiber we produce to feed and clothe ourselves must necessarily be safe, reliable, and economically affordable; and
Whereas, from the beginning of our nation, the agriculture sector has served us well in these and many other areas; and
Whereas, the heart and soul of agriculture has been and continues to be the American farmer; and
Whereas, we must continue to use our land, water, and air to produce food and fiber in environmentally responsible and sustainable ways; and
Whereas, many of our citizens no longer reside near working farms and are therefore unfamiliar with how our food and fiber is produced; and
Whereas, North Carolina farmers are dedicated to producing the food and fiber to feed and clothe our population; and
Whereas, the farmers of North Carolina have set the pace and performed exceptionally well in many parts of the agriculture sector; and
Whereas, countless people across our nation and in many other nations depend on food and fiber produced here in North Carolina; and
Whereas, it is important to properly acknowledge and express gratitude for the efforts of North Carolina farmers; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 103‑17.  North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day.
The second Wednesday in November of each year, beginning in 2024, is designated as North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day."
SECTION 2.  The North Carolina Grange is designated as the lead organization for the recognition of North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day and shall develop a plan to raise awareness of and promote the first annual North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day. In developing the plan, the Grange shall consult with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; the North Carolina Farm Bureau; commodity groups and associations including the North Carolina Pork Council, the North Carolina Poultry Federation, and the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association; and any other organizations the Grange deems appropriate.
SECTION 3.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year. The Department shall transfer funds to the North Carolina Grange, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Agriculture, upon the request of the Grange for the purpose of developing and implementing the plan required by Section 2 of this act. Funds appropriated under this section that are unexpended and unallocated at the end of the fiscal year shall revert to the General Fund.
SECTION 4.  The North Carolina Grange shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources no later than June 30, 2024, regarding its plan to raise awareness of and promote the first annual North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day.
SECTION 5.  This act is effective when it becomes law.