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Section One: Introduction <br />I. Background <br />In February 2006, the lead researcher and author of this report gave a presentation at the <br />Orange County Agricultural Summit on the development of shared use food and <br />agricultural facilities in North Carolina, with particular focus on the development of Blue <br />Ridge Food Ventures, a regional shared use facility that opened that same month in <br />Asheville. Following this presentation, Orange County economic development personnel <br />began discussions with Mills on the process of establishing a similar facility in the region <br />west of Research Triangle Park. Over the next 12 to 15 months, a consortium of funders <br />(including county commissions from Orange, Alamance, Durham, and Chatham <br />Counties, as well as Weaver Street Market and Whole Foods Market) allocated resources <br />necessary to conduct a feasibility study on developing such a facility in a four county <br />region including Orange, Alamance, Durham, and Chatham. <br />In May 2007, Orange County entered into a contract with Smithson Mills to lead the <br />feasibility study over a six month period, with a final report on findings to be submitted <br />by October 31, 2006. The terms of the grant funded period and the length of the contract <br />were subsequently extended to November 30, 2007. As lead researcher for this project, <br />Mr. Mills worked closely with economic developers and agricultural extension personnel <br />in the region, as well as personnel in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & <br />Consumer Services' Property and Construction Division. Additional research support was <br />provided by individuals and organizations in the regional food and agricultural economy. <br />II. Scope of Services <br />Mills was contracted to lead a feasibility study that would address each of the following <br />items: <br />1) Provide third-parry verification of research methodologies and analysis of primary <br />data gathered by participating counties, including potential client surveys and <br />market surveys. <br />2) Identify production lines that respond to the documented need/desire to produce <br />given products. <br />3) Provide guidance on legal organization structure such as incorporation, <br />acquisition of product liability and personal injury insurance. <br />4) Establish protocols for client management, including recommended facility use <br />policies, proper interface with regulatory agencies including the county health <br />inspectors and NCDA Food & Drug inspection, and provide guidance on the <br />7 <br />