Farmers First Act (675)

Preamble: An Act to revitalize Kodiak’s agricultural sector through market-oriented reforms, strategic investments, and innovation, ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Kodiak’s farming industry while alleviating economic hardships on farmers and consumers.

Article 1: Tax Relief for Farmers

1.1. All agricultural businesses shall receive a temporary income tax reduction of 50% for the next three fiscal years.

1.2. Property taxes on agricultural land shall be reduced by 25% for the next five fiscal years.

1.3. Farmers investing in new equipment, seeds, or infrastructure shall receive a tax credit equal to 20% of the total investment cost, capped at 50,000 Florins per fiscal year.

Article 2: Crop Insurance Expansion

2.1. A public-private partnership shall be established to expand affordable crop insurance to all farmers, with subsidies provided to lower premiums for small and mid-sized farms.

2.2. Farmers enrolled in the crop insurance program shall be eligible for compensation covering up to 75% of losses caused by weather-related or market disruptions.

Article 3: Public-Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Upgrades

3.1. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) shall be encouraged to: a. Modernize and expand agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, roads, and storage facilities. b. Develop new technologies and infrastructure for climate-resilient farming.

3.2. The Ministry of Commerce & Labor shall prioritize infrastructure projects in rural areas and offer competitive bidding opportunities to private firms.

Article 4 : Privatization of Distribution Channels

4.1. The government shall divest from state-operated agricultural distribution systems, allowing private enterprises to compete in logistics, transportation, and storage services.

4.2. Tax incentives shall be provided to private companies investing in agricultural supply chains.

Article 5: Export Competitiveness Initiative

5.1. The Ministry of Trade and Commerce shall launch an "Export Competitiveness Initiative" to: a. Identify and secure new markets for Kodiak’s agricultural exports. b. Provide tax rebates to exporters for increasing the volume of agricultural goods sold abroad.

5.2. Exporters investing in quality improvements or value-added processes for agricultural products shall receive a tax credit of 15% on related expenditures.

Article 6: Promotion of Innovation and Technology

6.1. Grants and tax credits shall be provided to companies and research institutions developing innovative agricultural technologies, such as drought-resistant crops, precision farming tools, and sustainable fertilizers.

6.2. Farmers adopting approved innovative technologies shall receive a one-time rebate of 25% of the technology’s purchase cost.

Article 7: Support for Agritech Startups

7.1. A fund of 50 million Florins shall be established to support agritech startups focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, advanced irrigation systems, and crop monitoring technologies.

7.2. Startups demonstrating significant impact in increasing agricultural efficiency or sustainability shall receive additional matching grants for up to 25% of their revenue.

Article 8: Encouragement of Local Markets

8.1. The government shall incentivize the establishment of local farmers’ markets by providing grants to municipalities and private organizers.

8.2. Tax breaks shall be offered to farmers and businesses selling directly to consumers through local markets, reducing operational costs by up to 15%.

Article 9: Tax Breaks for Importers of Staple Goods

9.1. Import tariffs on staple food items shall be reduced by 20% for the next two fiscal years to stabilize domestic prices and ensure food affordability.

9.2. Businesses importing staple goods must pass on cost reductions to consumers, as monitored by the Ministry of Commerce.

Article 10: Encouragement of Private Investment

10.1. Corporate tax rates for businesses investing in agricultural infrastructure, research, and export capabilities shall be reduced by 10% for the next five fiscal years.

10.2. The government shall host annual investment summits to attract foreign and domestic capital to Kodiak’s agricultural sector.

Article 11: STEM in Agriculture

11.1. Scholarships and grants shall be provided to students pursuing STEM education with a focus on agricultural technology, climate science, and agronomy.

11.2. Partnerships shall be formed between universities, research institutions, and private companies to promote research and innovation in agriculture.

Article 12: Right-to-Work Laws in Rural Communities

12.1. Right-to-work laws shall be enacted for all agricultural and related industries in rural communities, ensuring workers are not compelled to join unions as a condition of employment.

12.2. Employers shall be encouraged to provide performance-based incentives to workers, fostering productivity and competitiveness.

Article 13: Farmers First Campaign

13.1. The Ministry of Commerce & Labor shall launch a nationwide "Farmers First" campaign to: a. Highlight government efforts to support the agricultural sector. b. Educate farmers on best practices, technological advancements, and financial resources available to them.

13.2. Public service announcements, workshops, and educational materials shall be disseminated to rural communities.

Written by Malia Mackenzie Marshall (CAP)