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)Z <br />2 <br />opening in Hillsborough and their interest in potentially buying from local growers -- verses an <br />advertisement promotion. Ranells noted that the buying of local produce is an important factor <br />with Weaver Street Market and for the county's farmers. Kleese suggested considering an <br />agenda item on a topic of Organic Wholesale COG — with opportunities for information sharing <br />for growers, on producing foods for local buyers. <br />Ranells reported hearing from citizens about their concerns regarding a lack of interest from <br />the county to move forward with the construction of a Farmers Market facility in Hillsborough <br />from funds received from Congress. Stancil reported that the county was doing a request for <br />proposals for the courthouse area updates that includes development of a farmers market, and <br />river /park/trails complex area. He will report to the APB with more information as it becomes <br />available. Members felt that the APB should put forth strong support for the farmers market on <br />behalf of the county's farmers. Members asked to have an update at the Agricultural Summit <br />on the federal funds received from Congress for a local Farmers Market designation. <br />MOTION: Ranells motioned to formally request the BOCC to appoint an ad hoc committee <br />to study the future development of a Farmers Market for Hillsborough area. <br />Seconded by Mandell. <br />VOTE: Unanimously approved. <br />Members discussed a recent Economic Development Commission Summit held to explore the <br />economic future of the county and noted that farm- related economic interests were omitted <br />from the agenda except for some mentioning of bio -agri- operations. APB members who <br />attended the EDC Summit added that they had added farming input to their small group <br />discussions. Mandell proposed a memo to the EDC advisory board from the APB stating that <br />farming is highly supported by the APB and farming is an important economic element in <br />Orange County and should have a more prominent position in future Economic Development <br />Summit meetings. Stancil reported information from the EDC Summit including a proposal for <br />work group to follow -up on items from the Summit. He added that it was the beginning of the <br />EDC work to update their strategic plan EDC element. <br />MOTION: Mandell motioned to forward the APB's support of farming in Orange County and <br />a statement of the importance of farming being included as a part of the county's <br />economic development strategic plan update. Seconded by Warren. <br />VOTE: Unanimously approved. <br />Kleese and Stancil agreed to write up the proposal and distribute to members before sending <br />to the EDC board: <br />c. Agricultural Center Work Group (item added by Stancil) <br />Stancil noted that a proposed resolution by the BOCC for the formation of an Agricultural <br />Center Work Group is scheduled to be considered at the upcoming BOCC meeting, February <br />third, and would be emailed to members as soon as released. He added that APB members <br />are welcomed to attend the commissioners meeting, and explained the creation of a fifteen- <br />member work group to evaluate needs and possible uses of an Agricultural Center in Orange <br />County reporting back within one year of appointment. <br />DRAFT January 29, 2004 Agricultural Preservation Board Meeting Summary <br />