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io <br />11. 2005 Aa Center Work Group Findincis <br />The group received current statistics related to agria~lture and the farming community. In <br />general, several major concerns were raised during the series of meetings. Current <br />facilities far agriculture and natural resources programming are inadegtaate. This need is <br />particularly acute given the tobacco buyout and the need for farmer meetings and <br />programs to share information on alternative enterprises that might interest farmers. <br />Furthermore, the upcoming federal 2007 farm bill will likely move away from commodity <br />programs and towards conservation efforts. Finally, there are greater numbers of non- <br />traditional farmers who are seeking more programming in the county as they begin their <br />production and value added enterprises. <br />Members of the group noted that Orange County is fortunate to have a local consumer <br />base that places a priority on locally produced and grown farm products. Increasing <br />energy costs may place additional costs on food that, on average, travels 1,500 miles <br />from the field to the consumer's plate. <br />Community food security was noted as a concern for many members of the group. As <br />Orahge County population continues to grow, it is critical that county leaders consider <br />ways in which to protect prime farmland throtagh ag programming that fosters viable farm <br />enterprises. Farmland protection programs are also beneficial to protecting productive ac <br />lands. <br />While Orange County is fortunate to have added 50 farmers between 1997 and 2002, <br />the increase in farming individuals, families, and businesses, increases the requirement <br />for ag program facilities, programming, and staff (Table 1). <br />Table 1. Selected Orange County Farm and Agriculture Data, <br />1997 & 2002 USDA A Census <br /> 1997 2002 Chan e <br />Farms 577 627 U <br />Land in Farms acres 72,673 71,01D Down <br />Assets land ~ Bld s $261.2 m $ 326.2 m U <br />Value of Production $25.6 m $ 22.1 m Down <br />Harvested Cro land acres 22,373 19,405 Down <br />Pastureland acres 20,837 22,016 U <br />Cattle & Calves 14,2989 12,025 Down <br />Milk Cows 2,475 1,973 Down <br />Certified Or anic Land acres 0 15 U <br />Tobacco $ 5.7 m $ 3.4 m Down <br />Agricultural Center Work Group Report Page 8 <br />