All Roll Calls
Yes: 425 • No: 36
North CarolinaSB 4012025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET
NC Farm Act of 2025-2026.
Sponsored By: Brent Jackson (Republican), Michael A. Lazzara (Republican), Vickie Sawyer (Republican)
Signed by Governor
ADMINISTRATIVE CODEAGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE & FORESTRY COMN
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
13 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.
Conservation tax credit extended to 2030
Beginning January 1, 2025, you can claim the conservation tax credit for qualifying donations made on or after that date. The credit remains available for tax years that begin before January 1, 2031. This keeps the credit in place through the 2030 tax year.
Broader farm and compost uses allowed
More activities count as bona fide farm use, like certain crop storage, turkey‑litter drying, some "Goodness Grows" products, agritourism on qualifying land, and buildings that make products from animal waste. Composting by permitted facilities now counts as agriculture. Starting July 1, 2026, buildings used only to make fertilizers or biogas from animal waste are exempt from building rules if they have 60‑foot yards or public ways and post a 24×24 inch red "Ag. Exempt" sign with 12‑inch white letters. Until permanent rules start, qualifying horse and cattle compost systems are treated as permitted if they meet clean‑water and approval rules. More operators can get cost‑share help to turn lagoon sludge into fertilizer, covering engineering, permits, and processing gear.
Faster shellfish leases and fairer minor penalties
Shellfish lease applicants or aggrieved persons can file a contested case within 30 days after the decision. If the Secretary does not act within 365 days after a complete, correctly marked application, the lease is deemed approved. The Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee is eliminated; pending matters can be refiled under the contested‑case rules. Minor shellfish violations get warnings first, with higher steps only if repeated within one month; some just‑expired permits or leases get a warning. The state will also study shellfish farming rules, with an interim report due December 1, 2026 and a final report due May 1, 2027.
New farm safety and water planning efforts
The agriculture department must update the state plan to protect farm water, including storage, reuse, flood‑reduction practices, and ways to pay landowners who join flood programs. A 10‑member group will plan how to control feral swine statewide; the wildlife commission may carry out the plan. Lawmakers will get a report on low‑hanging communication lines that endanger farms before the 2027 session. New Hanover and Pender counties now face stricter open‑burning rules as high‑hazard areas.
Tougher penalties for farm and aquaculture theft
Stealing ungathered crops is a felony. A first offense is a Class H felony with at least a $250 fine; later offenses are Class G with at least a $500 fine. Taking from private marine aquaculture without written authorization is a Class H felony first, then Class G later; signs must show the lease or deed and holder’s name. It is also illegal to rob or injure aquaculture facilities; courts must consider restitution, and some cases must be dismissed if written authorization is shown. These penalties take effect December 1, 2026.
Propane safety checks and new rebates
The state gives propane officials more power to inspect sites, review records, stop or remove unsafe equipment, and recall delivery trucks. The Propane Foundation can fund workforce training and give customer rebates to promote energy‑efficient appliances, and help replace equipment for low‑income customers. The Foundation must consult industry and farm groups when planning programs.
New rules for fish farms; deer promo ended
The agriculture department and Board now regulate commercial freshwater fish and crustacean farms. Facilities must register, and the Board may set standards for moving, possessing, buying, and selling farmed fish. These rules apply only to commercially reared species and cannot override other agencies or wild fish rules. The law updates aquaculture definitions and adds striped bass to the list of species you can farm without special permission. It also repeals the Farmed Cervid Industry Promotion Act.
Swine rules: no points, floodplain ban
Swine farms are no longer subject to the old violation points system. At the same time, you cannot build permitted parts of a liquid animal waste system in the 100‑year floodplain. Land application sites are not restricted by this siting rule.
Propane assessment rules and higher cap
Beginning January 1, 2027, a propane assessment proposed on a referendum ballot cannot exceed $0.003 per gallon. The assessment only takes effect if more than 75% of dealer votes and more than 75% of distributor votes are in favor.
Excused school days for ag events
Schools must excuse at least two days each year for students who take part in horse shows, livestock shows, or similar farm events. A parent or guardian must give the principal written notice before the event.
Weighmaster license now $25 with seal
A public weighmaster license now costs $25 and lasts one year from when the application is processed. Every weighmaster must stamp each certificate with an official seal. An electronic stamp must capture a live signature or require a sign‑in to apply the signature. Tobacco weighers in leaf warehouses may use posted ink signatures. Seals are state property and must be returned when duties end.
New January window for dairy refunds
Grade A dairy producers must request a refund form in writing. They may file the completed form with proof of payment from January 15 to January 31 each year. The Association must send the form within one week and mail refunds within 120 days of a proper request. For 2027, refunds filed January 15–31 cover assessments from December 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.
Pesticide brand fees set and capped
Each pesticide brand needs a $150 annual registration fee. The Board may add an annual assessment per brand, but it cannot exceed $125. Selling a brand before registration triggers a $200 late penalty per brand.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Brent Jackson
Republican • Senate
Michael A. Lazzara
Republican • Senate
Vickie Sawyer
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Danny Earl Britt, Jr.
Republican • Senate
Jim Burgin
Republican • Senate
David W. Craven, Jr.
Republican • Senate
Timothy D. Moffitt
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/10/2026
SB 401: NC Farm Act of 2025-2026.
Yes: 110 • No: 2 • Other: 8
Senate vote • 6/10/2026
SB 401: NC Farm Act of 2025-2026.
Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 2
Senate vote • 6/26/2025
SB 401: NC Farm Act of 2025.
Yes: 9 • No: 32 • Other: 8
House vote • 6/25/2025
SB 401: NC Farm Act of 2025.
Yes: 107 • No: 0 • Other: 11
House vote • 6/25/2025
SB 401: NC Farm Act of 2025.
Yes: 107 • No: 2 • Other: 10
Senate vote • 5/6/2025
SB 401: Dealer License Renewal Modifications.
Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Ch. SL 2026-11
6/22/2026SenateSigned by Gov. 6/22/2026
6/22/2026SenatePres. To Gov. 6/12/2026
6/12/2026SenateRatified
6/11/2026SenateOrdered Enrolled
6/10/2026SenateConf Report Adopted
6/10/2026SenatePlaced on Today's Calendar
6/10/2026SenateWithdrawn From Com
6/10/2026SenateConf Report Adopted
6/10/2026HousePlaced On Cal For 06/10/2026
6/9/2026HouseCal Pursuant Rule 44(d)
6/9/2026HouseConf Com Reported
6/9/2026HouseRef To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
6/9/2026SenateConf Com Reported
6/9/2026SenateConferees Changed
6/30/2025HouseConf Com Appointed
6/26/2025HouseConf Com Appointed
6/26/2025SenateFailed Concur In H Com Sub
6/26/2025SenatePlaced on Today's Calendar
6/26/2025SenateWithdrawn From Com
6/26/2025SenateRef To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
6/26/2025SenateSpecial Message Received For Concurrence in H Com Sub
6/26/2025SenateSpecial Message Sent To Senate
6/26/2025HouseOrdered Engrossed
6/25/2025HousePassed 3rd Reading
6/25/2025House
Bill Text
Edition 1
Edition 2
Edition 3
Edition 4
Filed
Latest Edition
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