Rep. Jeffers files bill in North Carolina House to boost agricultural manufacturing

A new bill filed by State Rep. B. Ray Jeffers seeks to promote economic growth in agricultural manufacturing through competitive grants targeting key industries and regions, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 552 on March 27 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Ag Manufacturing Economic Development.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill provides economic development incentives specifically targeting agricultural manufacturing in North Carolina through the establishment of the Agricultural Manufacturing Investment Grant Account within the One North Carolina Fund. The program enables competitive grants to eligible agricultural manufacturers, prioritizing projects with significant regional and state economic benefits, especially those located in development tier one or two areas, or employing precision agriculture, AI-driven automation, or biotechnology. Grants are capped at $100,000 per year and $500,000 total per recipient, with a maximum term of five years. Recipients must invest a minimum of $5 million in private funds within two years and employ at least 25 full-time employees or equivalents. Additionally, recipients must meet a 110% average weekly wage of the county’s private employers. The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.

A related bill, SB 530, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Jim Burgin on March 25, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Robert T. Reives, II proposed the most bills (20) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Jeffers, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 2nd House district, replacing previous state representative Larry Yarborough.