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ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: January 22, 2009 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4- - <br /> SUBJECT: Grant Submittal to the Tobacco Trust Fund for the Farm Enterprise Incubator at <br /> the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center <br /> DEPARTMENT: Economic Development & PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br /> Cooperative Extension <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Brad Broadwell, 245-2325 <br /> Noah Ranells, 245-2330 <br /> Fletcher Barber, Jr., 245-2050 <br /> PURPOSE: To request BOCC authorization for staff to submit a grant proposal to the Tobacco <br /> Trust Fund for the Farm Enterprise Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & <br /> Research Center. <br /> BACKGROUND: The development of new farm enterprises and diversification of existing farm <br /> operations can be challenging and pose considerable financial risk. However, there are many <br /> opportunities for production and marketing of farm products produced by local farmers. With <br /> modest, yet critical, County funding of $10,000 in FY 2007-08, the PLANT @ Breeze Farm <br /> Enterprise Incubator was initiated. An additional $10,000 has been allocated for FY2008-09, <br /> with plans to leverage these funds to obtain additional grant funds. <br /> Through a strong effective interdepartmental collaboration, Cooperative Extension and <br /> Economic Development developed and implemented a series of eight Wednesday evening <br /> workshops in January and February of 2008. With strong support from the local community, <br /> attendance was 45 to 50 aspiring farmers for each of the workshops of the 8-week training <br /> series. Local farmers were involved in presentation and discussion at each workshop, along <br /> with a local, regional, or state farm related specialist. Following the workshop series, <br /> participants who wanted to farm land at the Breeze Farm were required to complete a business <br /> plan. If approved, these individuals were able to contract for prepared planting beds and grow <br /> their own crops. Seven farm enterprises participated in 2008. <br /> Given the success this past year, Cooperative Extension and Economic Development have <br /> identified the need for additional funds to support this project and expand the program activities. <br /> Therefore, staff requests authorization to submit a grant proposal to the Tobacco Trust Fund for <br /> approximately $275,000. The application deadline is February 16, 2009. Funds from this grant <br /> may be used to provide for a mentor farmer, operating funds, and enhanced outreach to Latino <br />