Agenda - 01-22-2009 - 4p - Laserfiche WebLink

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22 Piedmont Value-Added Shared-Use Food and Agricultural Processing Center Section II:Project and Applicant Description 8. Project Impact: Detailed explanations of expected economic impact and outcomes based on 75- mile,22-county region. Because this is a startup venture,it is difficult to quantify the impact the project will have.The rationale for the figures here represents a combination of survey data and estimates based on expertise with the subject. Outcome Estimate Detailed Explanation of Estimate Jobs created 24 Average of 1 job per county created in production and marketing plus 2 positions for center within 5 years. 1 x 22 counties+2=24 Workers Re-Employed 44 Average of 2 jobs per county retained the to enhanced viability of farms. 2 x 22 counties=44 Worker Skills 1,100 Average of 50 individuals trained on food safety and post harvest handling, Upgraded per county. 50 x 22=1,100 Persons Receiving 440 Average 20 farmers assisted per county through center affiliated activities Increased Educational Training Tobacco Farmers 44 Average of 2 current or former tobacco farmers will be assisted across the Assisted 22-county region Acres of Farmland 1,100 Average of 50 acres protected through economically viable farm production. Protected 50 x 22=1,100 Acres in new Crop 880 Average 20 acres per each new farmer in productions(see above). 20 x 44= Production 880 People Served 550 Average 25 people per county served through conferences,meetings, takings,and workshops in the 22-county region. 25 x 22=550 Dollars Leveraged $959,600 $739,500 in funding for center and$220,000 New investment(below) Other:New Investment $220,000 Average$5,000 investment in production,post-harvest handling,and marketing for minimum of 2 farmers in each county. $5,000 x 2 x 22= $220,000 Other Tax base Increase $2,651,000 Survey data from prospective center clients in 2007 feasibility study. Other.Increased $420,000 1 part-time position in each county related to production,post-harvest Payroll handling,and marketing with salary of$15,000 per position;Plus 2 center staff at$90,000. 1 x$15,000 x 22+$90,000=$420,000 Other.Farmers in New 44 Average 2 farmers per county that enter farm production enterprises Production resulting from the ability to add value through the center. 2 x 22=44 As described elsewhere in this proposal this project helps to offer options for farmers to revitalize their agricultural enterprises and respond to emerging market opportunities. The rural communities that support farmers and their families will also have the opportunity for renewed and new employment as operations diversify given the ability to utilize the equipment and programs provided by this project and Tobacco Trust Fund support. Associated with the strong cooperative extension network and emerging programming at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension and Research Center,the Center for Environmental Farming Systems provides information for optimal natural resource management in the context of productive farms. Economic vitality and stability are fostered in the region through the ability for rural communities to eat-and buy-local. Circulating dollars through local communities rather than exporting to far-away profit centers with less benefit to the towns where the dollars are spent can enhance the resiliency of rural communities to respond to economic hardship. 12 BOCC Meeting, January 22, 2009, Page 22/39