|
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
<br />Resolution
<br />Support for a
<br />Piedmont Regional Shared Use, Value Added,
<br />Food and Agricultural Processing Center
<br />WHEREAS, the recent tobacco~buyout program has left many farmers seeking economically
<br />profitable alternative enterprises to allow them to remain farming; and,
<br />WHEREAS, the proximity of Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties to markets for
<br />value added products is significant given existence of local farmer's markets, grocers,
<br />restaurateurs, and food service managers that buy local farm products; and,
<br />WHEREAS, added value products provide a means to retain economically viable, thriving farms
<br />in Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties, benefiting our rural character and
<br />agricultural heritage, and contributing to the health and high quality of life; and,
<br />WHEREAS, shared use value added processing centers require careful planning and strong
<br />collaborations to be successful; and,
<br />WHEREAS, a feasibility study funded by Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties, as
<br />well as Weaver Street Market and Whole Foods, was completed in November 2007, and,
<br />WHEREAS, the survey respondents included 36 percent fruit and vegetable growers, 27 percent
<br />livestock producers, and 28 percent specialty food producers, caterers, or restaurateurs, who
<br />together currently produce 74 food items, and in the future desire to produce 112 distinct
<br />products, and,
<br />WHEREAS, the feasibility study indicates client use at the facility can reach 142 production hours
<br />per week in'one year and would generate more than $150,000 in fees in years 2 and 3 of
<br />operation, and gross income generated by clients using the facility would be between $800,000
<br />and $1.2 million per year; and
<br />WHEREAS, the feasibility report detailed 13 action items that will ensure that the center can open
<br />in 2009.
<br />NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
<br />1) Pledge to continue their strong support of the implementation of the Feasibility Report to
<br />ensure operation by Winter 2009;
<br />2) Will consider their ability to contribute resources and leverage grant funds, as well as
<br />State and Federal legislative allocations, to implementation of this effort;
<br />3) Authorize Orange County to continue to serve as the fiscal agent and, with guidance from
<br />an advisory group, hire a project developer to pursue grant funds and assist in the
<br />development of policies for the center.
<br />This the 16th day of January 2008.
<br />Barry Jacobs, Chair
<br />Orange County Board of Commissioners
<br />
|