Agenda - 11-05-2009 - 6a (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 latest version of the FPP was also shared with the Economic Development Commission in an effort to ensure consistency and pursue partnership opportunities. The draft was also sent to staff at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and North Carolina State University to ensure sufficient coverage of the seven key components outlined in the program model. Because of the financial and strategic planning benefits associated with countywide farmland protection plans, the adoption of a Farmland Protection Plan is addressed in the Natural and Cultural Systems Element of 2030 Comprehensive Plan (Agricultural Chapter). The FPP also speaks to emerging issues such as local food systems and new initiatives to address increasing energy costs and alternative energy needs (topics which go hand in hand with the County's efforts to pursue energy efficiency through stimulus funding), and ongoing projects such as the local Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center. As the plan asserts, local agriculture can and should have a role in the County's efforts toward a green economy. Many of the strategies outlined in the FPP can contribute to a more holistic approach toward the completion of a comprehensive energy plan. Since the FPP is by nature a substantial document in scope and breadth, the Board previously received a copy of the draft Farmland Protection Plan as an informational item on June 16, 2009. The County must submit an adopted FPP to the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation (ADFP) staff by December 1 to be eligible for the next ADFP Trust Fund grant cycle. A resolution of approval is provided as Attachment 4. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with discussing the report. There is potential fiscal benefit, in the form of a lessened local match (15% instead of the current 30 %) for state grant funds, with the adoption of a FPP. This lower local match will apply for both farmland preservation and agricultural economic development grant projects. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan, adopt the plan in accordance with the resolution, and authorize staff to submit the adopted FPP to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.