RES-2010-043 Resolution Honoring Joe Thompson - 2010 Small Farmer of the Year

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION FOR JOSEPH A. THOMPSON 2010 Small Farmer of the Year Award North Carolina A&T State University ~~- ~-~ WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson has been a loyal and dedicated farmer who has survived economic and technological changes to lead a rigorous, but rewarding way of life; and WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson opted out of the commodity agricultural system and joined the "local foods system" which provides small and midsized farmers an opportunity to make a living and provides other benefits including: farmland preservation, less energy intensive farming, less reliance on distant food sources, increased food safety, and improvements in animal welfare and environmental protection, as well as other benefits; and WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson, as the owner of a small farm, is helping to lead the way locally in the revitalization of rural communities and rural economies by setting an example of how small farms can be profitable, attracting the attention of a younger generation who would like to farm, and creating a demand for related local business in agricultural processing, distribution, supplies, services, and equipment; and WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson has been actively engaged in farming in Cedar Grove, which has enriched the heritage of Orange County, provided economic opportunities and supported the social structure of his community, and provided income and sustenance for his family, while tending his land with dedication, commitment, appreciation, and determination; and WHEREAS, Joseph Thompson has been recognized by the Cooperative Extension program at North Carolina A&T State University with the Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year award for his resourcefulness and self-reliance skills resulting from his adherence to "old school farming principles" that have saved him tens of thousands of dollars in costs, and for his willingness to try new ideas and experiment with practices to maximize his profits, as well as the adoption of new direct-marketing and computer skills that are vital to his business; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby recognize Joseph Thompson on his receipt of the 2010 Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year award and bestows gratitude on Joseph Thompson for his many years of farming, his leadership in helping create a new farming model, and his production of a wholesome and exciting new food product for the residen of Orange u//nty. This the 1 st day of June, 2010. ,tu,.,,. G~ Valerie Foushee, Chair Orange Coun o ~o ®~. Donn Baker, Clerk to the Board *' _. lz ~z missioners ~~a ~~ rth ~a~/