Agenda - 06-19-2012 - 4b - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 19, 2012 Action Agenda Item No. 4 - b SUBJECT: Resolution — North Carolina 10% Campaign / Local Food Economy DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR), Cooperative Extension, Economic Development ATTACHMENT(S): 1) Draft Resolution 2) February 7 Presentation Materials PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No INFORMATION CONTACTS: Dr. Nancy Creamer, NC State University David Stancil, 245 -2510 Carl Matyac, 245 -2050 Steve Brantley, 245 -2325 PURPOSE: To consider a resolution supporting the Center for Environmental Farming Systems "10% Campaign" to support local and regional food economies, and ask County staff to explore ways to augment or incorporate these principles and goals into the County's organizational culture. BACKGROUND: On February 7, 2012, the Board received a presentation from Teisha Wymore of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems with North Carolina State University on its "10% Campaign ". The "10% Campaign" encourages consumers to commit 10% of their existing food dollars to support local food producers, related businesses and communities. In so doing, consumers support the following goals: • Promote NC farmers, foods, communities and businesses; Educate consumers, decision - makers and the media; Collaborate with the many influential organizations already in the field — and those just blooming. North Carolinians spend about $35.5 billion a year on food, and it is estimated Orange County residents spend approximately $300 million each year. If 10% of those dollars were spent on local foods, about $3.5 billion ($30 million in Orange County) would be generated for the local economy. North Carolina also has the 12th highest rate of adult obesity in the nation, and more than one -third of 10 -17 year old youth are overweight or obese. Finally, expanding the market