Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
RES-0010 -0,.3 <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION <br />FOR <br />JOSEPH A. THOMPSON <br />2010 Small Farmer of the Year Award <br />North Carolina A &T State University <br />WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson has been a loyal and dedicated farmer who has survived <br />economic and technological changes to lead a rigorous, but rewarding way of life; and <br />WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson opted out of the commodity agricultural system and joined <br />the "local foods system" which provides small and midsized farmers an opportunity to make a <br />living and provides other benefits including: farmland preservation, less energy intensive <br />farming, less reliance on distant food sources, increased food safety, and improvements in <br />animal welfare and environmental protection, as well as other benefits; and <br />WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson, as the owner of a small farm, is helping to lead the way <br />locally in the revitalization of rural communities and rural economies by setting an example of <br />how small farms can be profitable, attracting the attention of a younger generation who would <br />like to farm, and creating a demand for related local business in agricultural processing, <br />distribution, supplies, services, and equipment; and <br />WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson has been actively engaged in farming in Cedar Grove, which <br />has enriched the heritage of Orange County, provided economic opportunities and supported <br />the social structure of his community, and provided income and sustenance for his family, <br />while tending his land with dedication, commitment, appreciation, and determination; and <br />WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson has been recognized by the Cooperative Extension program <br />at North Carolina A &T State University with the Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley Small Farmer <br />of the Year award for his resourcefulness and self - reliance skills resulting from his adherence <br />to "old school farming principles" that have saved him tens of thousands of dollars in costs, <br />and for his willingness to try new ideas and experiment with practices to maximize his profits, <br />as well as the adoption of new direct - marketing and computer skills that are vital to his <br />business; <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />hereby recognize Joseph Thompson on his receipt of the 2010 Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley <br />Small Farmer of the Year award and bestows gratitude on Joseph Thompson for his many <br />years of farming, his leadership in helping create a new farming model, and his production of <br />a wholesome and exciting new food product for the residents of Orange County. <br />This the 1st day of June, 2010. <br />Valerie Foushee, Chair <br />Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board <br />