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2 <br /> <br />share more of that. He wants to speak to all types of farmers to get a sense of their issues. <br />Hughes suggested that he should talk to Ag Board members as they represent a diverse <br />cross-section of the farm community. Ortosky noted that recent studies show that the <br />majority of farmers do not make a living farming but have other sources of income. Right <br />now a young person who starts out farming will not be able to count on making a decent <br />living. Compton noted that the average farmer today is 58 years old. Ortosky stated that <br />tobacco is bigger now than it was a hundred years ago but the number of farmers is vastly <br />smaller. Compton remarked on the cyclical nature of the markets right now: organic <br />tobacco is doing well. Chicken is doing OK today but was tough two years ago. <br /> <br />Discussion followed about the status of the proposed Ag Economic Development grant <br />program. Members expressed their interest in being involved in developing the guidelines <br />and application. Hammersley noted that the Economic Development Advisory Board has <br />drafted guidelines for the BOCC’s Jan 27th work session. Ranells noted that this board <br />has great depth but members feel they have been left out of this process. There was some <br />urgency to get the Ag Grant program moving quickly as funds are available now and <br />need to get out into the economy. Hammersley noted that they will do their best to reach <br />out and seek the board’s input. They value the board’s input and will share a draft with <br />the members. Members agreed that the Ag Board needs strong representation in the <br />application review process. Stancil asked members to let us know if they see any issues. <br /> <br />6. Items for Decision: <br />(a): New VAD and EVAD applications: (Attachment 2): Hughes introduced one new <br />application for an Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD). <br />This has been reviewed by staff and meets all the criteria and requirements for APB <br />consideration for the EVAD program. Hughes reviewed the application then opened the <br />floor for discussion and approval. Members discussed the biodynamic process. <br />Robert and Cheri Bowers: 51.24 acres for EVAD: (Cedar Grove District: Art Road <br />north of Hurdle Mills Road) They grow organic and biodynamic vegetables, fruits, <br />berries and honey, and sell at the Carrboro farmer’s market. Ranells moved to approve <br />the Bowers EVAD; seconded by McPherson; motion carried. <br />Hughes is also processing an address change/update for the McPherson VAD to add <br />Renee’s name to the application. There are now 7,145 acres in our VAD/EVAD program. <br />7. Items for Discussion <br /> <br />a. Looking ahead: meeting calendar for 2015: Staff handed out a new draft <br />calendar for 2015. Discussion followed. Members agreed to meet every other <br />month as shown in the draft calendar rather than skip July. <br /> <br />b. Election of Officers to be held at the March meeting: Staff passed out copies of <br />the current rosters. Board policy calls for the annual election of members to be <br />held every March. The Clerk’s office is phasing out lifetime memberships for any