Horse Industry Promotion Referendum - A Fact Sheet for Horse Owners

The Horse Industry Promotion Referendum was passed on March 2, 2002 by a 80% majority. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the NCDA&CS have put together the following to inform the horse owners of North Carolina of the Horse Promotion Referendum.

General Information

Q. What is the Horse Industry Promotion Referendum?
A. The Horse Industry Promotion Referendum was a vote by the horse owners of North Carolina as to whether they were willing to permit an assessment of $2.00 per ton of any commercial feed or supplements labeled for horse use (equivalent to 5 cents per 50 lb. bag.) It was passed on March 2, 2002 by a 80% majority.

Q. How was the Horse Industry Promotion Referendum established?
A. The Horse Industry Promotion Referendum was established through House Bill 1529. The Horse Industry Promotion Bill which was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly on September 24, 1998.

Q. What is the purpose of the assessment?
A. To provide funds to the North Carolina Horse Council for the purpose of promoting the interests of the North Carolina horse industry.

Q. What is the North Carolina Horse Council?
A. The North Carolina Horse Council (NCHC) is the organization recognized as representing the interests of the horse owners in North Carolina.

Q. How will the assessment be collected?
A. The assessment will be remitted by the feed company to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who will in turn remit all funds collected to the North Carolina Horse Council.

Q. How long would the assessment be in effect?
A. Three years.

Q. Is it possible to receive a refund?
A. Yes. The request must be submitted to the North Carolina Horse Council within one year of purchase and must be accompanied by proof of purchase. Q. How much would the assessment cost me?
A. Approximately $l.80 per horse per year

Q. How will the assessment be utilized?
A. The North Carolina Horse Council has identified several areas of intended utilization:

• Promote benefits of horse ownership to the general public.
• Enhance development & delivery of educational programs for horse owners.
• Expand access to trails. Help protect and maintain existing trails.
• Support equine related research.
• Represent the interests of horse owners in the state legislature.

Q. Is the assessment a tax?
A. No. A tax is for the support of a government, the assessment is for the interests of horse owners. The assessment is also fully refundable upon written request.

Q. How much revenue will the assessment generate?
A. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimates annual receipts of $196,000.

Q. Do any other commodity groups have a similar assessment?
A. Yes. Other commodity groups in North Carolina have a similar, self-assessing system including beef, strawberry, peanuts, soybeans, etc.

Q. Is anyone available to visit my group, club, etc. to speak or answer questions?
A. Yes. Contact your local county extension office. They will put you in touch with an agent, REINS (Regional Equine Information Network System) volunteer or 4-H horse volunteer leader.

Q. How can I contact/find out more about the North Carolina Horse Council?
A. Additional information regarding the North Carolina Horse Council may be obtained by contacting:

Ms. Cindy Wadford - Executive Director
4904 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 290
Raleigh, NC 27605
e-mail: cindy@nchorsecouncil.com

Phone : 919-854-1990
Fax: 919-854-1989

Additional information on the Horse Promotion Assessment Referendum: Margie Rhodes 919-772-8298 e-mail wlkabout@intrex.net or contact your local County Extension Agent.

Last updated 09/01/2004