Source: NCDA&CS, 8/25/14

With a new state budget in place, this month is a good time to feature the department's Budget and Finance Division. The division is responsible for all business affairs of the department. Without the Budget and Finance Division, the department would be unable to function productively; every divison relies on Budget and Finance for funds to support the programs and responsibilties that are vital to the sucess of the department.

In addition to internal budgetary matters such as payroll and accounts payable,the division also includes the External Audit Section. The purpose of the External Audit Section is to ensure that all taxes and fees due to the department for tonnage are paid timely and correctly. The amounts collected for tonnage help to support the work of the inspectors in the Plant Industry and Food and Drug Protection divisions. Their jobs include making sure that the fertilizer, feed, seed and lime sold in North Carolina are safe. Currently, there are 1,403 companies reporting the Tonnage Tax and Agricultural Foundation Assessments, 228 grain licensees and 83 cotton licensees. Lists are available upon request.

Budget and Finance also works to assist with grants and contracts associated with agriculture. The divison provides relevant information to entities searching grants and oversees the grant-making activites of the department.