Agenda - 11-17-2009 - 4g - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Plan (FPP) have not been previously incorporated into a single document, as envisioned by the new state legislation. The creation of a plan under the new model from the state has been a priority for the County agricultural agencies. For more than a year and a half, the Agricultural Preservation Board has been working with the other local agricultural advisory boards (Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, Farm Services Agency Committee for Durham and Orange counties, and the Cooperative Extension Advisory Council) to prepare this important plan, which - consistent with the new 2030 Comprehensive Plan -should serve as the strategic plan for County agricultural activities for the next several years. The latest version of the FPP was 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. 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. The revised resolution of approval is provided as Attachment 1. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with discussing the report. There is, however, potential fiscal benefit in the form of a reduced local match requirement (15% instead of the current 30%) for state grant funds with the adoption of an FPP. This lower focal match would apply for both farmland preservation and agricultural economic development grant projects. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board 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.