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2 <br />3 <br />4 <br />5 <br />6 <br />7 <br />8 <br />9 <br />10 <br />11 <br />12 <br />13 <br />14 <br />15 <br />For conventional farmers dependant on large amounts of acreage there is no simple solution to <br />offset the costs associated with increasing property values, non-farm infrastructure and public <br />service fees. New programs in conservation may offer some relief, particularly in combination <br />with forest management. The County may also wish to enlarge the small business loan <br />program to provide more funding for start-up fees and diversification ventures, and to explore <br />new forms of tax assistance. <br />Ultimately, the success of economically viable agriculture in Orange County is dependent upon <br />education and understanding between farmers, citizens, and government. The rights and <br />interests of each should be respected and nurtured. To better understand the obstacles and <br />stresses on agriculture, and the steps the County can take to reduce them it is helpful to first <br />understand the history, geography (including the soil resource), economic trends, and <br />regulations governing farming. It is also important to understand the values and concerns of <br />the farmers themselves. <br />Draft 6/1/2009 Introduction 4 <br />