APB agenda 041603 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 bona fide farm definition as it relates to present use value taxation and VADs. Kleese wrapped up noting that we recognize there are problems with it. Kleese divided the discussion topics into three main issues: preserving land, recruiting /preserving farmers, and defining farms within the context of legislation and tax laws, etc. Ranells added another category-- helping to establish favorable policies, tax structures, and advocates. Ranells offered information from Vermont — a governor sponsored proposal that all land and farm buildings be exempt from tax. If we establish linkages with groups that are pro open space, there is an opportunity to get other people speaking on behalf of us. Warren offered the members with the possible perception of the farmers in the county of this avenue. Roberts suggested the APB come back to the charge of the people we are representing and the charge from the Board of County Commissioners. Ranells said that if there are groups out there who are willing to partner with us to get things into place that are beneficial to farmers we should look at those options. Morrow said if we come from the economic benefit to farming, then groups could unite to benefit our cause. For example, the Sierra Club has interests in watershed protection and the Cane Creek Watershed is a priority zone for us. We promote certain taxation benefits within watersheds for people that preserve farms. The two groups can support each other. But approach preservation through regulations - -if we want to zone somebody's land so they can't use it for farming or sell it, then we're coming from a different point of view than farming. We'd be coming from prevention of growth and development, which is not necessarily in the interest of a farmer or landowner. Warren added that farmers don't always see environmentalists as being their friends, they tend to view environmentalists through the associated regulations and prohibitions that have been placed on them through environmental laws. Kleese duly noted that real change happens through collation building and we can work together towards creating positive change leading to win /win situations for all parties. Recor suggested that the APB begin making contacts and trying to build collations. Ranells suggested meeting with the other agricultural agencies to set our focus. Mandell suggested getting these four groups together and meeting with the farmers. Warren suggested the initial contact be made through the Cattlemen's Association; the next meeting is April 1St. Walters suggested finding a model farm and discussing that farmer's long range plan. Stancil said that there are a couple things that we haven't talked about that are on the list and staff will add these in and have them for you at the next meeting. Staff will take at first cut at categorizing the list and the APB can rearrange the items at the next meeting. Strategies for Farm and Farmland Preservation and the Land Use Plan were listed as follows: • Create Farm /Farmland Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan (based on the Historic Preservation Element model) • Develop Preservation strategies that focus on profitability & survival • Raise the Agriculture Profile DRAFT