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Keeping Farmers Farming: A Survey of the Challenges Facing Orange County Farmers i2 <br />Keeping Farmers Farming: <br />A Survey of the Challenges Facing Orange County Farmers <br />*Note to respondents: Information gathered in this survey will remain the property of the stttd~nt researcher <br />and be held in strictest confidence. Only the total results will be reported to the Agricultural. Districts <br />Advisory Board. <br />Purpose: The purpose of this survey is to determine the major challenges faced by Orange County farmers and <br />to learn to what extent the county's rapid suburban growth is presenting obstacles to running a successful <br />agricultural operation. The results of this survey will be used by the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board, a <br />citizen advisory group, in making recommendations for policy changes that will serve the farmer's interest. <br />Directions: This survey should be completed by the farm owner or primary farmer in the household. If you <br />do not understand a question, or do not feel comfortable answering a question, please leave it blank. There is a <br />section at the end for comments and questions. <br />ANYINFORMATION YOU CANPROVIDE WILL BE GRATEFULLYAPPRECL4TED. <br />PLEASE RETURN THE SURVEYIN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED. <br />A. Finding Adequate Labor Supply <br />How many members of the household are employed by your agricultural operation, including yourself <br />(enter number): <br />Full-time: Part-time: Retired: <br />2. How many non-family members are employed by your agricultural operation? <br />Full-time: Part-time: Retired: <br />If you hire outside your immediate family, do you have trouble hiring qualified employees? <br />Yes No <br />4. If yes, why? (Mark all that apply) <br />Lack of affordable housing near your agricultural operation Lack of interest <br />Lack of adequate training Competition in local job <br />Inability to offer competitive wage market <br />Other (please sped) <br />B. Environmental Regulations <br />Have you seen an increase in the environmental regulations that affect your agricultural operation over the last <br />10 years? (Mark one) Yes No Do not know <br />6. Which environmental regulation(s) affect your agricultural operation the most? (Please rank in order, <br />1=most effect on your operation) <br />NC Waste Management regulations (.0200 rules) <br />NC Nutrient Management regulations (Meuse River basin rules) <br />Federal Clean Water Act regulations <br />Appendix A <br />