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

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z Second, the Work Group strongly recommends that the BOCC embark on a capital improvement plan that includes a new freestanding Agriculture and Natural Resources Center to allow agriculture in Orange County to not just survive, but to thrive well into the future. Adopting a capital improvement plan to obtain a suitable site and facility that would provide far mast if not all services related to an "Agriculture and Natural Resources Education Center", preferably in a single location. Such services and activities include workshop facilities, outdoor field plots, demonstration areas, and outdoor events such as annual agricultural summits, possible farm- city days, and annual agricultural breakfasts. It is clear that a single location would provide the best efficiency of resources, and encourage thorough and continued use of an outdoor area for horticultural and farm-related workshops, as well as demonstration areas for various agricultural program components. Third, to support viable farm enterprises that build on close proximity to Durham and Chapel Hill and their associated plentiful direct and wholesale market opportunities, to foster young farmers in farm families, and to create 'new' agricultural entrepreneurs, requires re-invigorated agricultural services. It is critical that the Commissioners consider feasibility studies for 1) value-added shared-use processing facilities for locally produces farm products, and 2) a farm business incubator facility. The members of the Work Group appreciate the opportunity to have participated in this work group and are available to discuss any portion of the report with the BOCC, staff, and the general public. Furthermore, it is hoped that the information contained in this report be included in the agricultural component of the upcoming revised Comprehensive Plan. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accept the report and consider its recommendations.