H.B. 539
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Mar 30, 2023
SESSION 2023 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH40280-TQa-13
Short Title: North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Dixon.
Referred to:
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT DESIGNATING THE SECOND WEDNESDAY IN NOVEMBER OF EACH YEAR
3 AS NORTH CAROLINA FARMERS APPRECIATION DAY.
4 Whereas, we should never forget that to remain a free nation we must maintain and
5 improve our ability to feed and clothe ourselves; and
6 Whereas, the food and fiber we produce to feed and clothe ourselves must necessarily
7 be safe, reliable, and economically affordable; and
8 Whereas, from the beginning of our nation, the agriculture sector has served us well
9 in these and many other areas; and
10 Whereas, the heart and soul of agriculture has been and continues to be the American
11 farmer; and
12 Whereas, we must continue to use our land, water, and air to produce food and fiber
13 in environmentally responsible and sustainable ways; and
14 Whereas, many of our citizens no longer reside near working farms and are therefore
15 unfamiliar with how our food and fiber is produced; and
16 Whereas, North Carolina farmers are dedicated to producing the food and fiber to
17 feed and clothe our population; and
18 Whereas, the farmers of North Carolina have set the pace and performed
19 exceptionally well in many parts of the agriculture sector; and
20 Whereas, countless people across our nation and in many other nations depend on
21 food and fiber produced here in North Carolina; and
22 Whereas, it is important to properly acknowledge and express gratitude for the efforts
23 of North Carolina farmers; Now, therefore,
24 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
25 SECTION 1. Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new
26 section to read:
27 "§ 103-17. North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day.
28 The second Wednesday in November of each year, beginning in 2024, is designated as North
29 Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day."
30 SECTION 2. The North Carolina Grange is designated as the lead organization for
31 the recognition of North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day and shall develop a plan to raise
32 awareness of and promote the first annual North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day. In
33 developing the plan, the Grange shall consult with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture
34 and Consumer Services; the North Carolina Farm Bureau; commodity groups and associations
35 including the North Carolina Pork Council, the North Carolina Poultry Federation, and the North
36 Carolina Cattlemen's Association; and any other organizations the Grange deems appropriate.
*DRH40280-TQa-13*
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2023
1 SECTION 3. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of
2 Agriculture and Consumer Services the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in
3 nonrecurring funds for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The Department shall transfer funds to the
4 North Carolina Grange, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Agriculture, upon the request
5 of the Grange for the purpose of developing and implementing the plan required by Section 2 of
6 this act. Funds appropriated under this section that are unexpended and unallocated at the end of
7 the fiscal year shall revert to the General Fund.
8 SECTION 4. The North Carolina Grange shall report to the Joint Legislative
9 Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources no later than June 30,
10 2024, regarding its plan to raise awareness of and promote the first annual North Carolina
11 Farmers Appreciation Day.
12 SECTION 5. This act is effective when it becomes law.
Page 2 DRH40280-TQa-13