GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

1983 SESSION

 

 

CHAPTER 915

HOUSE BILL 1169

 

AN ACT TO CREATE A STUDY COMMISSION TO EXAMINE ALTERNATIVES FOR INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, AND SEAFOOD IN NORTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, the Governor and the Agricultural Leadership in North Carolina have historically supported and diligently worked together for agriculture in this State; and

Whereas, agriculture in North Carolina has experienced severe financial setbacks and instability in recent years due to drought, inflation and other unavoidable circumstances; and

Whereas, a strong agricultural economy is essential to and is the life supporting fiber of both the rural and urban populations of North Carolina; and since agriculture is the number one employer and since agriculture, forestry and seafood must maintain the ability to produce future needs; and

Whereas, North Carolina must never forget its agricultural heritage, public awareness of the importance of agriculture, forestry and seafood should be increased; Now, therefore,

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

Section 1.  There is hereby created an Agriculture, Forestry, and Seafood Awareness Study Commission (hereinafter "the Commission").

Sec. 2.  Members of the Commission shall be citizens of North Carolina who are interested in the vitality of the agriculture, forestry, and seafood sector of the State's economy. Members shall be appointed by October 1, 1983, as follows:

(1)       Three by the Governor;

(2)       Three by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of North Carolina;

(3)       Three by the Lieutenant Governor of the State of North Carolina.

Sec. 3.  The following individuals shall also serve as members of the Commission beginning on October 1, 1983:

(1)       The Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee;

(2)       The Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee;

(3)       The Commissioner of Agriculture or his designee;

(4)       A member of the Board of Agriculture designated by the Chairman;

(5)       The President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, Inc., or his designee;

(6)       The Master of the North Carolina Grange or his designee;

(7)       The President of the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts;

(8)       The President of the North Carolina Fisheries Association;

(9)       The President of the North Carolina Forestry Association;

(10)     The President of the North Carolina Agribusiness Council.

Sec. 4.  The cochairmen of the Commission shall be the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

Sec. 5.  The members of the Commission who are members of the General Assembly shall receive subsistence and travel allowances at the rate set forth in G.S. 120-3.1.  Members who are officials or employees of the State of North Carolina shall receive subsistence and travel allowances at the rate set forth in G.S. 138-6.  All other members shall be paid the per diem allowances at the rates set forth in G.S. 138-5.

Sec. 6.  The Commission may hold its meetings in the State Legislative Building with the approval of the Legislative Services Commission.  The Legislative Services Commission shall provide necessary professional and clerical assistance to the Commission.

Sec. 7.  The Commission is hereby directed to bring to the attention of the General Assembly the influence of agriculture, forestry, and seafood on the economy of the State; to develop alternatives for increasing the public awareness of agriculture, forestry, and seafood; to study the present status of agriculture, forestry, and seafood; to identify problems limiting future growth and development of the industry; to develop an awareness of the importance of science and technological development to the future of agriculture, forestry, and seafood industries; to formulate plans for new State initiatives and support for agriculture, forestry, and seafood and for the expansion of opportunities in these sectors.

Sec. 8.  In conducting its study the Commission may hold public hearings and/or meetings across the State.

Sec. 9.  The Commission shall complete its work by January 1, 1985, and shall make a written report to the 1985 General Assembly no later than March 1, 1985.

Sec. 10.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly for fiscal year 1983-84 the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act.  The Department of Agriculture may provide funds available to it to the Commission for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act.

Sec. 11.  This act is effective upon ratification.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 22nd day of July, 1983.