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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-06

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill establishes the 2024 Agricultural Disaster Corn Crop Loss Program and appropriates $89.5 million from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to North Carolina corn farmers who experienced verified crop losses from weather disasters in 2024. Eligible farmers in USDA-designated disaster counties can apply for payments based on acreage, county loss estimates, and yield averages.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that North Carolina corn farmers faced severe losses in 2024 from droughts, excessive rainfall, and hurricanes, and while federal assistance provided some relief, additional state support is necessary for recovery.
• •They contend that corn farming is vital to North Carolina's economy, supporting 900,000 acres and generating over $756 million in annual cash receipts, and that targeted state investment will help stabilize the industry and ensure farmers can recover and remain viable.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that $89.5 million in state disaster relief is a significant expenditure that diverts funds from other state priorities and the Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund.
• •They might question whether state-level agricultural subsidies are the best use of taxpayer money when federal disaster programs already exist, or express concerns about the potential for fraud that would require extensive auditing and verification processes.