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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: November 16, 2010 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. <br />SUBJECT: Grant Submittal to the Rural Advancement Fund International USA, Tobacco <br />Communities Reinvestment Fund, for the PLANT @ Breeze Farm Enterprise <br />Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center <br />DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No <br />Cooperative Extension <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Noah Ranells, Economic Development, <br />245-2330 <br />Brad Broadwell, Economic <br />Development, 245-2325 <br />Carl Matyac, Cooperative Extension, <br />245-2050 <br />PURPOSE: To authorize staff to submit a $30,000 grant proposal to the Rural Advancement <br />Fund International USA, Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, for the PLANT @ Breeze <br />Farm Enterprise Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center. <br />BACKGROUND: The development of new farm enterprises and diversification of existing farm <br />operations can be challenging and pose considerable financial risk. However, there are many <br />opportunities for production and marketing of farm products produced by local farmers. With <br />modest, yet critical, annual County funding of $10,000, the PLANT @ Breeze Farm Enterprise <br />Incubator was initiated in 2007 and continues to serve residents of Orange County and its <br />neighboring counties. <br />Through a strong effective interdepartmental collaboration, Cooperative Extension and <br />Economic Development developed and implemented a series of eight Wednesday evening <br />workshops held every January and February. With strong support from the local community, <br />approximately 50 aspiring farmers attended each of the workshops of the 8-week training series <br />held this past January and February. Local farmers were involved in presentation and <br />discussion at each workshop, along with a local, regional, or state farm related specialist. <br />Following the workshop series, participants who wanted to farm land at the Breeze Farm were <br />required to complete a business plan. If approved, theses individuals were able to contract for <br />prepared planting beds and grow their own crops. A total of 17 farm enterprises have <br />participated, and others have initiated or expanded their farm operations on land they currently <br />own. <br />Given the success this past year, Cooperative Extension and Economic Development have <br />identified the need for additional funds to support this project and expand the program activities. <br />