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8 <br /> i. reduce the loss of productive and existing farmland by <br /> promoting agricultural values and general welfare of the County, <br /> ii. recognize the existence of important farmlands by seeking to <br /> minimize risks of nuisance suits that arise from the onset of <br /> other land uses, <br /> iii. encourage participation in voluntary programs to preserve and <br /> protect farmland from non-farm development, and <br /> iv. increase identity and awareness of the agricultural community, <br /> and its role in the economic and cultural quality of life for all <br /> County residents. <br /> B. Objectives <br /> 1. The Agricultural Preservation Board shall undertake the following <br /> objectives toward these goals: <br /> i. Develop recommendations for implementation of the Voluntary <br /> Agricultural Districts and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural <br /> Districts programs, including making recommendations for <br /> approval of farms applying for designation in Agricultural <br /> Districts; <br /> ii. certify qualifying farmland for such Districts as defined in the <br /> Voluntary Farmland Protection Program Ordinance (COO, <br /> Section 48-7); <br /> iii. review and make recommendations concerning amendments to <br /> this ordinance; <br /> iv. develop public education programs and materials to promote <br /> agriculture and agricultural preservation; review and approve <br /> the form of the agreement for Voluntary Agricultural Districts; <br /> v. conduct public hearings and hold joint public hearings with the <br /> Board of County Commissioners on public projects likely to <br /> have an impact on agricultural operations within Orange County; <br /> consider appeals to decisions on Voluntary Agricultural Districts <br /> (as provided in COO, Chapter 48-8); <br /> vi. hold public hearings if action is taken to condemn any certified <br /> farms and qualifying farmland (Chapter 48-11); <br /> vii. advise the Board of County Commissioners on projects, <br /> programs or issues likely to have an impact on the agricultural <br /> economy or activities within the County that will affect <br /> Agricultural Districts; develop studies, plans and reports as <br /> directed by the Board of Commissioners or State of North <br /> Carolina; <br /> viii. consult with other agencies involved in the preservation or <br /> production of agriculture as needed; develop an annual report to <br /> the N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture, Board of Commissioners <br /> and others on the status of the Voluntary Agricultural District <br /> program; <br />