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nxnrT <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1 I <br />Resolution of Support and <br />Request for Feasibility Study Funding for a <br />Regional Shared Use Value-Added Processing Center <br />In Orange County <br />WHEREAS, the recent tobacco buyout program has left many farmers seeking <br />profitable alternative agricultural enterprises to allow them to continue farming; <br />and <br />WHEREAS, the proximity of Orange County farmers to markets for value-added <br />products is significant given the existence of local farmer's markets, grocers, <br />restauranteurs, and food service managers committed to purchasing local <br />products; and <br />WHEREAS, many local farmers currently utilize web-based commerce and a <br />local distribution coop to expand their markets; and <br />WHEREAS, value-added products provide a means to retain economically <br />viable, thriving farms in Orange County, enhancing the County's rural character <br />and preserving its agricultural heritage, and contributing to general high quality of <br />life; and <br />WHEREAS, shared-use value-added processing centers require careful planning <br />and strong collaborations to be successful; and <br />WHEREAS, Orange County has consulted with adjoining counties, including <br />Alamance County and Chatham County, and has received favorable feedback <br />regarding collaboration on a potential shared-use value-added processing center; <br />and <br />WHEREAS, a feasibility study is critical to assess need and justification for a <br />regional shared-use value-added processing facility; and <br />WHEREAS, Orange County has excellent interstate access and is strategically <br />located to serve as a regional hub for the processing and distribution of <br />agricultural products, <br />NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of <br />Commissioners hereby declares its support and interest in pursuing a regional <br />shared used value added processing center for agricultural goads requests and <br />requests $25,000 in legislative support to conduct a feasibility study for a regional <br />shared used value added processing center for agricultural goods. <br />This the 18~h day of April 2006. <br />Barry Jacobs, Chair <br />Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />