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SOIL & WATER zs <br />CONSERVATION <br />Orange Soil and Water Conservation District <br />306 Revere Road • P.O. Box 8181 <br />Hillsborough, NC 27278 • Phone: (919) 732-8181 • Ext. 2750 <br />Fax: {919) 732-7559 <br />January 21, 1998 <br />Dear Farmer/Agriculturist: <br />The attached survey was prepared by the Orange County Agricultural Districts Advisory Board, a citizen <br />advisory group made up of farmers, developers, and other county residents. The purpose of the survey is <br />to learn about the concerns of the farming community toward the rapid growth occurring in Orange <br />County. <br />This is the first comprehensive County survey of farmer opinion in nearly twenty years, and it is an <br />opportunity for the Orange County agricultural community to express its thoughts and opinions on the <br />important issues facing our area. <br />On behalf of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, I am asking you to please take the time to <br />complete this survey. <br />The Agricultural Districts Advisory Board will use the findings from the survey to make <br />recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners. Some of the ideas under consideration <br />include: (1) ask the NC General Assembly to support legislation that can improve the financial position <br />of farmers, such as eliminating inheritance taxes and deferred taxes for sales of land between farmers. <br />and eliminating. the property tax on farm equipment for full-time farmers; (2) develop an effective <br />education proltram to inform our urban/suburban citizens about the value and needs of astriculture; and <br />(3) develop voluntary and equitable programs for preserving farmland. <br />You do not need to give your name or address, and all surveys returned will be kept private. Only total <br />results will be reported. Please complete the survey and return it in the enclosed. postage-paid <br />envelope by February 9.1998. <br />Orange County is changing whether we like it or not. We can participate and take an active role in <br />shaping this change - or we can sit idly while growth overwhelms us. This survey can be the voice of <br />each and every farmer, and their individual stand on the issues we must confront. <br />The Soil and Water Conservation District Boazd urges you to let your voice be heard. Thank you. <br />Sincerely, <br />G/. <br />Charles Snipes, Chair <br />Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District <br />