Agenda - 02-02-1999 - 10e - Laserfiche WebLink

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a discontinue operation was more restrictive planning and zoning regulations, cited by 70% of respondents. The final section of the survey described a number of policy proposals and preservation measures. Respondents mostly (70%) supported the idea of an Agriculture Advocate, who would serve as a liaison between farmers and various government agencies. Forty percent (40%) of respondents would like to see a "Farm Link" or Farm Finder program to help young persons interesting in entering farming as a livelihood. Three different conservation scenarios were described, where farmers were asked if they would consider a conservation easement, a purchase of development rights program, or a transfer of development rights program. Although a majority said no, nearly the same number of respondents said they would like to find out more about farmland preservation programs. Introduction The Agricultural Districts Advisory Board (ARAB) was created in 1987, and charged with advising the Board of County Commissioners on issues affecting the agricultural economy of Orange County. The Agricultural Districts Advisory Board applies a comprehensive approach to farmland preservation, with an emphasis on public education and voluntary landowner initiatives. ADAB contends that farmland as a resource is best preserved by protecting the properly rights and property values of the farmland owner. The goals of rural preservation, which encompass the conservation of prime farmland, the scenic vistas of the agricultural landscape, the family farm tradition, and the economic viability of agriculture in Orange County, aze best served by keeping farming a profitable enterprise. In keeping with this fundamental principle, the Agricultural Districts Advisory Boazd, at the request of the Orange County Economic Development Commission, participated in the update of the Economic Development Strategic Plan: Sustaining a Quality Community Through Balanced Economic Growth. During late 1995, ARAB organized a subcommittee to produce an Agriculture component for the Strategic Plan update. The Economic Development Strategic Plan was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on May 14, 1996. Within the Agriculture goal, one of the Economic Development Commission's stated objectives was to "... encourage a study to determine the financial viability of farming in Orange County. The study should focus on ways to improve the financial position of farmers and should include but not be limited to: low interest debt financing, tax options, local subsidies, and planning options related to development rights. A comprehensive survey of local agricultural business should be part of the study. " The inclusion of agricultural goals within the Economic Development Strategic Plan will ensure that agricultural concerns are wholly integrated into the County's economic development policies in the coming years. It also creates a partnership between agricultural and economic development interests, which could result in new opportunities for agriculture-related businesses and new markets for existing agricultural concerns. Most importantly, it demonstrates to citizens of Orange County that Agriculture is a foundation of the economy that will be vital to the future growth and prosperity of the County. 1998 Orange County Agricultural Survey