Enacts new GS Chapter 106, Article 55A (Beehive Grants).

New GS 106-650 establishes the North Carolina Beehive Grant Fund as a special fund in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Department) to be used to encourage the establishment of new beehives in the State.

New GS 106-651 authorizes any certified beekeeper over the age of 18 to apply for a grant from the Fund for the purchasing of a new hive or materials to be used for the construction of a new hive. Directs the Department to specify form, contents, and procedure for the application to be submitted electronically. Authorizes the North Carolina Board of Agriculture (Board) to establish a fee for grant applications. Grants are limited at $200 per hive, with a maximum grant of $2,400 per grant recipient in any year. Grants are issued in the order that completed eligible applications are received. Provides for eligible grants requested in excess of money available in the Fund in a given fiscal year to be paid in the next fiscal year in which funds are available. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Article.

Effective July 1, 2017.