June 2025 - Sweetpotato Speak

triggers for income tax reductions. The House also chose to pass a third disaster relief package in a separate bill rather than as a part of the state budget. The two chambers are now negotiating a final budget. There is a chance a deal is made before July 1, but do not be surprised if we do not reach a budget deal until sometime in the fall. If a deal is not made by July 1 we expect the General Assembly to take an extended break until August or September. The 2025 Farm Act (Senate Bill 639) has been filed, but has not yet passed, although we expect a hearing in the NC State Senate soon. The Farm Act has become an annual tradition by Senator Brent Jackson who works with his colleagues in the House, especially Senior Agriculture Chairman Jimmy Dixon, to pass regulatory relief and policy changes to benefit NC Agriculture. This year’s Farm Act has a variety of provisions including changes to water resource management, feral swine initiatives, a ban on sale of raw milk for personal use, local government permitting reform for properties which border farmland, allowing excused absences for children who participate in agricultural events, expanding the jurisdiction of the forest service, reducing restrictions on the composting of horses and cattle, and providing legal protections for pesticide manufacturers. The raw milk and pesticide provisions have created a lot of discussion, and it remains to be seen if they will be included in the final version of the bill. After the Senate passes the Farm Act, it heads to the House for consideration where further changes could take place. Our team is tracking all issues on behalf of our agricultural clients including the sweetpotato industry. We appreciate the opportunity to work for the Sweetpotato Commission and represent your interests in state government.

statewide crop loss program for any farmer who was affected by natural disaster in 2024. The bill also appropriated funds for small business, debris cleanup, home rebuilding and repair, volunteer fire departments, nonprofit disaster relief organizations, education, and travel and tourism. To date, the legislature has appropriated approximately $1.4 billion from the savings reserve for Hurricane Helene Relief. 2025 is a budget year , and this year the North Carolina Senate goes first (the two chambers alternate every Session). The Senate passed its budget with bipartisan support in mid April. The budget prioritizes saving over spending, allocating the full amount needed to replenish the state’s Rainy Day Fund back to $4.75 billion which was the balance before Hurricane Helene. There is an additional $700 million for hurricane relief, raises for teachers and state employees, and a one time bonus of $3000 for teachers and most state employees. The budget continues planned tax cuts, including the personal income tax scheduled to go to 2.99% by 2028. The House passed their version of the budget at the end of May. There were many similarities, but some major differences which will need to be negotiated. The House budget proposed higher permanent raises for teachers and state employees rather than bonuses, and it increased the revenue

05