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aS <br />As the detailed discussion was concluded at the earlier joint meeting, <br />Stancil distributed a draft resolution for APB review and revision. As the <br />grant application goes to the BOCC soon, it would be preferred that an <br />endorsement from the APB to accompany the grant. A suggested change <br />was to add number of acres of farms, take out "economic" from the <br />specialist title and add coordinator and financial planner to the broker <br />description. Add a statement about providing education to tobacco farmers <br />on alternative agricultural enterprises. Staff to revise and forward to <br />BOCC. <br />MOTION: Kleese motioned to pass the resolution with noted changes. Seconded by <br />Morrow. <br />VOTE: Unanimous <br />ITEM 7: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION <br />a. Triangle J Regional Principles Project- Agricultural Working <br />Group <br />Stancil reported on the Green Space Team, an Agricultural Work <br />Group and reviewed working list of farm and farmland protection <br />strategies as listed in the agenda packet. The APB discussed the <br />listed strategies including: Involve the Agricultural Community in <br />Local Decisions, Conduct study of cost of community services to <br />help educate the public on the economic benefits of agriculture, <br />Support the development of farmers' markets that enable farmers <br />to sell directly to the public, Help farmers write business plans for <br />their farm, Invest in mobile processing facilities, enhance the <br />voluntary Agricultural Districts Program, Create tax advantages to <br />provide more financial incentives for farmers to enroll in VAD's, <br />Improve traffic safety for farm vehicles in Voluntary Agricultural <br />Districts. Other discussion including district size, pros and cons of <br />zoning of agricultural districts, improving the economics of <br />farming including converting to organic farming to receive <br />substances, develop cost share program, environmentally sound <br />farming and, other agricultural preservation concerns. Stancil <br />encouraged emailing ideas to staff also. Recor noted a new email <br />address of "rrecor @rodneyrecor.com ". Kleese expressed receiving <br />contact at home number as well as Renalls. An updated roster to <br />be provided in the next agenda packet. <br />b. Potential Cost of Community Services Study <br />Stancil report that this topic has been discussed by the APB and <br />now the Triangle J is planning to do a cost of community services <br />study across the region..A proposal submitted by the American <br />Farmland Trust was distributed at a previous meeting, which could <br />