Agenda - 04-05-2016 - 5-a - Orange County's Proposed 2016 Legislative Agenda

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Agriculture Goals & Guiding Principles Guiding Principles • The Association supports local control over land-use deci- sion-making and its impact on the agricultural community. • The Association supports state policies providing local op- tions and tools for the preservation of farmland, if they serve the best interest of all counties. • The Association supports research, education and outreach with various public and private partnerships that result in ag- ricultural development opportunities, sustainable initiatives producing low-cost food and energy that will, in turn, create healthy local economies. • Agricultural issues related to the environment transcend gov- ernmental boundaries and require close coordination of poli- cy and action by federal, state and local governments. • Powers delegated to the counties for the protection of the public health are important for protecting the land and water resources that are vital for agricultural endeavors. • The General Assembly should provide funds for any increased county responsibility related to animal control operations and/ or facilities. Goals AG-1: Support state funding and staffing for agricultural re- search, Cooperative Extension services and other agricul- ture-related efforts to support the largest economic driver in North Carolina. AG-2: Support legislation to authorize farmers to grow indus- trial hemp as a cash crop. • Demand has grown for hemp for a variety of uses, such as fi- bers for upholstery and clothing, paper-type products, twine, and oil for lip balm. • Hemp products are not illegal in North Carolina, but growing hemp is. • Allowing hemp to be grown in North Carolina provides an ad- ditional crop for farmers and supports agriculture in our state. www.ncacc.org I (919) 715-2893