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<br />- Utilize the structure of the HFM to develop cooperative efforts in pooling orders for <br />difficult-to-source seeds, soil amendments, and feeds <br />- Create opportunities for the education of our customers and community in the <br />necessity of safe and nutritious foods in their lives and the importance of those who <br />grow and provide it <br />- Advocate for continuous improvement for the market, providing energy and skills <br />necessary to sustain growth and vigor <br />- Work closely with Orange County Cooperative Extension to coordinate information <br />sharing and the creation of programs that benefit area farmers <br />- Provide a ready voice of the "small farmer" to local government in the formulation of <br />policy and regulations <br />- Work with Town of Hillsborough to become a destination for citizens of the area by <br />creating new interest and opportunities via the market <br />What we are requesting <br />Recognition from the County as the official "Hillsborough Farmers Market" <br />effective November 1 (end of main market season 2007} <br />What we will commit to the County in return <br />- Immediately invite all current members of the informal market to join the new <br />Hillsborough Farmers Market <br />- Independent non-vendor management under the guidance of the Board of Directors <br />following transfer from current manager <br />- Significant growth and innovation for the benefit of farmers, consumers, <br />retaillrestaurant establishments, the Town and the County <br />- Our professionalism, hard work, and experience to ensure we fulfill our mission and <br />meet our commitments to you <br />Chair Carey said that the facility that is being constructed is owned by the County and <br />the Caunty will be developing the rules on how the facility will be operated. <br />Laura Blackmon said that Cooperative Extension is working on developing the <br />guidelines for the use of this facility. The dedication is September 13t", but it will not be ready <br />for use as the farmers market at that time. <br />Chair Carey said that the staff would be bringing the recommended rules back far the <br />Board of County Commissioners to review. He asked that a timeline be brought back far when <br />it would be safe to use the facility. He said that the Board of County Commissioners will <br />consider the rules and regulations, and will make sure that the public is aware at that time. He <br />said that the public will be allowed to comment an these recommendations. <br />Kathy Andrews is one of the bakers at the farmers market and she said that everyone is <br />given an opportunity to do the best they can and they are not stifled by rules. By adding red <br />tape, it would be a hindrance. She said that to add rules would be detrimental at this time. She <br />asked that the Board of County Commissioners not recognize the takeover by this other group. <br />Mike Berzey said that when you ga behind people's back to get something done, that is <br />not professionalism. He said that there is a man that is trying to take over the farmers market <br />that is also an Orange Caunty employee, which is a conflict of interest. <br />Jay Kwapien said that she has a farm in Cedar Grove and she loves the farmers market <br />because there is a sense of camaraderie. She said that it has been very disappointing because <br />she thought that the vendors voted to keep everything the same. She is disappointed to watch <br />