Agenda - 06-16-2009 - Infor Item 3

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 of a FPP will provide Orange County with access to a larger percentage of Agricultural Development and Farmland Trust Fund (ADFP) monies for farm-related programs. To facilitate the preparation of farmland protection plans, the state has prepared a model document for use as a template; plans must contain the following seven sections.4 1) A statement of the need for action; 2) A summary of the county's authority to adopt the plan; 3) An overview of the county's agricultural activity, past and present; 4) An outline of challenges for the local agricultural community; 5) A statement of opportunities for enhancing local agriculture, including programs in place and potential new programs for the future; 6) A set of action steps to ensure a more viable agricultural community for the future; and 7) A schedule to implement the action steps. In order to better represent local needs, Orange County's FPP is organized a little differently and a new section called, "A New Vision for the Future of Agriculture in Orange County" has been added. There are a lot of agricultural programs in the opportunities section of the document. Some are already in place and others could be adopted. But which programs will do the most to help the Orange County reach its agricultural goals? The vision section is designed to help elected officials and agricultural support staffs select and prioritize policies and programs that will work toward shared goals. In addition, by providing a mental picture of what the agricultural community could look like in the future, non-farmers may develop a better understanding of their role as good neighbors and consumers. The long-term survival of agriculture in Orange County requires athree-tiered approach. 1) The County must continue efforts to protect productive soils so that they remain available for agricultural and forestry use. 2) Farming in Orange County must become a more profitable venture. 3) New and younger residents must cultivate interest and knowledge in farming to take over as the next generation. Some of these underlying themes may seem obvious. Productive soils must remain available for farm and forestry use. Agriculture must become more profitable. As the average age of farmers continues to increase, the future of farming will become more and more dependent on the preparation of another generation. Successful farmers must pass their knowledge on to an apprentice. Existing county programs to train farmers must continue and expand. The non- farm community (consumers) must recognize the value of farms for open space and local foodstuffs, and develop a stronger connection with the farming community. In addition, established farmers may benefit from diversifying their operations-switching from one main cash crop such as tobacco to smaller amounts of multiple crops such as vegetables and specialty products. New farmers (younger or new to farming) must continue to pursue new and innovative forms agriculture, often on smaller amounts of acreage, such as growing organic or greenhouse crops. Orange County is uniquely positioned to pursue opportunities for agriculture created by its affluent, highly educated populace, interested in high-quality farm produce and services. This service-oriented agriculture, while by no means assured, may present the best new market for many farmers. a (NCGS §106-744 (e)(1-5). Draft 6/1/2009 introduction 3