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

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ges - aoo�i- 019 A-4achrneo+ - RESOLUTION ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO ADOPT A FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN WHEREAS, Orange County has demonstrated a longtime commitment to farmland preservation; and WHEREAS, The Board adopted a Voluntary Farmland Protection Ordinance in 1991 which established the Voluntary Agricultural District Program and created the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board (now the Agricultural Preservation Board); and WHEREAS, The Board adopted a Lands Legacy Program in April, 2000 which led to the permanent protection of more than 2,500 acres of farmland through agricultural conservation easements; and WHEREAS, The Board recognized the significance of agriculture in Orange County by authorizing the creation of a new Agricultural Chapter in the Natural and Cultural Systems Element of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, The County has sponsored an annual Agricultural Summit for more than ten years; and WHEREAS, The County has recognized and supported the business needs of local farmers through innovative partnership ventures such as the upcoming Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center and the Breeze Farm Incubator Program; and WHEREAS, This new Farmland Protection Plan, endorsed by the Agricultural Preservation Board, Soil and Water District Commission Board of Supervisors, Farm Services Agency Committee for Durham and Orange counties, and Cooperative Extension Advisory Council, will serve as the strategic plan for local agricultural needs in Orange County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby adopt a countywide Farmland Protection Plan, and commends the Plan to the N.C. Department of Agriculture. This the 5th day of November 2009. Valerie Foushee, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners Attest Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board