Agenda - 05-25-2006 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 25, 2006 Action Agenda Item No. 1 SUBJECT: Agricultural Center Work Group Report DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PUBLIC HEARING: (Y!N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Agricultural Center Work Group Report Dianne Reid, 245-2326 Noah Ranells, 245-2330 PURPOSE: The BOCC will receive a presentation summarizing the Agricultural Center Work Group efforts tc evaluate the need and justification for an Orange County agricultural center, BACKGROUND: At the request of the Agricultural Preservation Board, the Board of County Commissioners decided to revisit the need for an agricultural center. In early 2005, the commissioners appointed citizens to the Agricultural Center Work Group (Work Group) to review available information, solicit public input, and submit a report to the Commissioners in April 2006, The Work Group had many thoughtful discussions, visited 2 agricultural centers, 1 agricultural education facility, and 1 shared used value added facility, conducted 2 surveys, and held 1 community outreach event, The Work Group also reviewed the previous effort to evaluate an Orange County Ag Center that was conducted in the late 1980's, when the local livestock market was closed, Records indicate that $350,000 in County funds were designated for the purchase and construction of an agricultural center facility, however those funds were transferred for other capital projects and are no longer available, The Work Group concluded that an agricultural center is needed by Orange County, Short term needs include parking and confidential meeting space for farmers when they visit County agricultural agencies, as well as a demonstration area for horticultural and environmental education purposes.. Long term needs require additional time for evaluation. The Work Group recommends a thorough examination of local food production and local markets for farm products,. The Work Group recommends the following to the Board of County Commissioners. First, the physical space needs of the agricultural agencies are paramount, with an immediate goal of providing adequate customer parking and office space.. The current location of Revere Road allows far limited expansion, but moderate accommodations may provide temporary relief.