Sets out findings and the purpose of the act related to the loss of land farmed by small farmers and supporting the viability and sustainability of small farmers by providing financial assistance. 

Enacts new Article 61B, Small Farmers Grant Program (Grant Program), in GS Chapter 106. Sets out and defines terms used in the Article, including the following. Defines an eligible individual as a state resident who is at least 21 years old, is a small farmer, and has an annual income from farming operations for the preceding taxable year of at least $1,000 or more. Defines a small farmer as one with a gross cash farm income of $1 million or less. 

Establishes the Grant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) which will provide grants from the new Small Farmer Grant Fund (Fund). Grants are for essential inputs, equipment, and operation improvements of the eligible individual’s farming operations. Sets out grant restrictions and procedures, with funding priorities and amounts set by the Commissioner of DACS. Allows the Commissioner to retain up to 1% of funds for costs of administering the Grant Program. Requires the establishment of an advisory committee to monitor the Grant Program. Requires DACS to adopt rules to carry out the Article.

Appropriates $15 million in recurring funds for 2025-26 from the General Fund to DACS, to be allocated to the Fund to be used for the Grant Program. 

Effective July 1, 2025.