(a) The General Assembly makes the following findings:

(1) The people of North Carolina should never forget that to remain a free nation we must maintain and improve our ability to feed and clothe ourselves.

Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 103-17

  • following: when used by way of reference to any section of a statute, shall be construed to mean the section next preceding or next following that in which such reference is made; unless when some other section is expressly designated in such reference. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
  • United States: shall be construed to include the said district and territories and all dependencies. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3

(2) The food and fiber we produce to feed and clothe ourselves must necessarily be safe, reliable, and economically affordable.

(3) From the beginning of our nation, the agriculture sector has served the people of North Carolina well in these and many other areas.

(4) The people of North Carolina must continue to use our land, water, and air to produce food and fiber in environmentally responsible and sustainable ways.

(5) Many North Carolina citizens no longer reside near working farms and are therefore unfamiliar with how our food and fiber are produced.

(6) North Carolina farmers are dedicated to producing the food and fiber to feed and clothe our population.

(7) The farmers of North Carolina have set the pace and performed exceptionally well in many parts of the agriculture sector.

(8) Countless people across the United States and in many other nations depend on food and fiber produced here in North Carolina.

(9) It is important to properly acknowledge and express gratitude for the efforts of North Carolina farmers.

(b) The second Wednesday in November of each year, beginning in 2024, is designated as North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day. (2023-63, s. 8.1(a).)