North Carolina would fund grants for eligible small farmers

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would provide grants for essential farm supplies, equipment, and improvements to farm operations. Applicants would need to be North Carolina residents at least 21 years old, with gross cash farm income of $1 million or less and at least $1,000 in farming income in the preceding tax year. Farmers would need to apply using a form and process approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The commissioner could prioritize applicants by farm size, income, and financial hardship and set different maximum awards based on need. The proposal sets July 1, 2026, as its effective date, but the recorded actions do not show that it became law.

North Carolina would set aside $15 million in recurring funding for the Small Farmer Grant Fund. The money would come from North Carolina's General Fund and go to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the grant program. The fund could also receive gifts, grants, and donations from sources outside state government. The commissioner could use up to 1% of money set aside for the fund to run the program. The agriculture department would adopt program rules and establish an advisory committee to monitor results and recommend improvements. The proposed funding applies to the 2026–2027 fiscal year.