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4 Page 3 Agricultural priority areas need to be identified and could become a task for the APB. Kleese noted that there were only two places where farmland goals were mentioned in the report. Mandell said that an addendum to'the Economy Report of the SOCF task force was done however, very little is included in the final report: (this addendum to be sent to APB members). A concern was expressed that at first look of the report, it appeared that the only farming being conducted in the county is organic farming. Identifying farmland was agreed upon as critical, along with creating a .local network for local products. "Cost of Community Services Shared" were also noted as important. Stancil noted that a map is available that shows prime farmland mapped by using USDA soils information. Work is ongoing to digitize maps and aerial photos from the Farm Service Agency of production farms in Orange County. Other issues discussed included the Lands Legacy program and how the criteria of the point system addresses both threatened farmland closer to urban areas and prime farmland with best soils; the county's groundwater study, sustainability issues, cost of services analysis and what it might reveal. Stancil noted that Pam McIntosh, SOCF project manager has done a follow -up sustainability report that will be available soon. Staff to distribute the report to the APB after BOCC review. Once the two goals of identifying farmland and establishing a local network for local products is done, Kleese suggested that the next priority might be creating' a toolbox of things that helps to preserve prime farmland pieces while making it non - threatening to the farming rural community and simulating to real estate community. Secondary piece is to get local institutions that purchase food to begin process of purchasing of a percentage from local growers and stimulate the market through that. Once clear action statements are developed, there are clear guidelines and tools for everyone. A possible missing education element was noted by Ranells- the importance of agriculture in Orange County in schools; so that different age groups would be aware of that importance. The example of how recycling information shared in schools traveled into the home and people became aware and participation increased was given. Ranells suggested a goal that would raise awareness of farm issues and agricultural awareness in K -12. • Stancil pointed out on page 22 of Recommendation #1, Action Strategy #G: Establish partnerships between urban and rural residents through community support for local farming by: • Having farm tours for school children as well as adults; Draft 1/31/2001