Agenda - 02-12-2007-3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Farm Enterprise Incubator Draft Project Description Modified 6 February 2007 A farm enterprise incubator program is envisioned for Orange County and may be located at the WC Breeze Family Farm Agricultural Extension & Research Facility, an NC State University owned property at the intersection of Walnut Grove Church Road and Schley Road, ~5 miles north of Hillsborough. The goal of the incubator program is provide a forum for individuals to critically evaluate their desire to farm, with a strong emphasis on economic viability. Assistance will be provided through a formalized training program that provides land, equipment, and production knowledge, and offers guidance in the development of a farm management plan. We also envision the program as a tool to reinvigorate farming in Orange County. Rationale The great diversity of agricultural operations in Orange County provides all residents with a. rural character and quality of life that is unique. However, external forces are changing the economic viability of traditional Orange County agricultural enterprises. One critical force that is challenging these enterprises is development pressure in'the county. Those pressures have increased the value of all land, including farm acreage. As a result, future decisions to farm will be as much a business decision as a lifestyle one. To minimize the possible loss of capital investment, especially when the financial repercussions also .include the loss of precious agricultural land, the incubator project will offer focused training programs through the local Cooperative Extension Service, with assistance from area community colleges and agencies. A second critical force is the increasing age of current farmers. The average age of landholders in North Carolina is 56, and many farmers in this age group are retiring from active production. Unlike previous generations, when children assumed farm operation responsibilities once they became adults,. many of the children of today's farmers have chosen not to return to agriculture. However, available data indicates that young adults in the 20 to 35 age group (many of which do not have farming background) have an interest in agriculture, particularly as it relates to organically- and locally-grown crops. In addition, there are a growing number of mid-career individuals who are seeking to begin farm related enterprises. Since many of these new, potential farmers have little or no agricultural experience, the incubator project will include afarmer/mentor as part of the training and. assistance program. Farm Incubator/Farm Linkage Page 2 of 3