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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS a I ~ ~I ~~ r ~~3~
<br />RESOLUTION ,~~,`SQ~~ ~~
<br />d!?
<br />. Support for a Piedmont Regional Shared Use, Value Added,
<br />Food and Agricultural Processing Center
<br />WHEREAS, the recent tobacco buyout program has left many farmers seeking.
<br />economically profitable- alternative enterprises to allow them to remain farming; and,
<br />WHEREAS, the proximity of Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties to
<br />markets for value added products is significant given existence of local farmer's markets,
<br />grocers, restaurateurs, and food service managers that buy local farm products; and,
<br />WHEREAS, added value products provide a means to retain economically viable,
<br />thriving farms in Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties, benefiting our rural
<br />character and agricultural heritage, and contributing to the health and high quality of life;
<br />and,
<br />WHEREAS, shared use value added processing centers require careful planning and
<br />strong collaborations to be successful; and,
<br />WHEREAS, a feasibility study funded by Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange
<br />counties, as well as Weaver Street Market and Whole Foods, was completed in
<br />November 2007, and,
<br />WHEREAS, the survey respondents included 36 percent fruit and vegetable growers, 27
<br />percent livestock producers, and 28 percent specialty food producers, caterers, or
<br />restaurateurs, who together currently produce 74 food items, and in the future desire to
<br />produce 112 distinct products, and,
<br />WHEREAS, the feasibility study indicates client use at the facility can reach 142
<br />production hours per week in one year and would generate more than $150,000 in fees
<br />in years 2 and 3 of operation, and gross income generated by clients using the facility
<br />would be between $800,000 and $1.2 million per year; and
<br />WHEREAS, the feasibility report detailed 13 action items that will ensure that the center
<br />can open in 2009;
<br />NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
<br />Commissioners:
<br />1) Agree to participate in a regional, multi-county value-added shared-use food
<br />and agricultural processing center;
<br />2) Formally allocate the former Orange Enterprise Building on Valley Forge Road
<br />in Hillsborough for development of a regional value-added shared-use food
<br />and agricultural processing center;
<br />3) Recommend that the governing board of the Center become a 501(c)3; and
<br />4) Agree that the shared monetary compensation for the Valley Forge Road
<br />property (item 2 above) will be determined later and request that equitable
<br />fiscal support among partners be pursued that recognizes the allocation of
<br />the Orange Enterprise Building owned by Orange County.
<br />This the 19th day of February 2008.
<br />Ja o , Ch it
<br />Orange Cou rd of mmissioners
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