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Page 2 07 implemented. The work group examined the relationship of open space to water and air quality, erosion, agricultural, preservation of cultural values and quality of life. People need recognize that farmland is open space and share in the cost of preserving that open space. The work group reviewed other state programs such as Phillip Gottwals's Value Added Products project that was presented here last year. The importance of viewing agriculture as an industry was noted as part of the report. Jacobs reported on background information that led to the report objectives particularly the section on improving farm preservation. Recommendations included: streamline state regulations to simplify agricultural diversification by small operators, increase participation in Voluntary Farmland Preservation Districts, Improve existing Present Use -Value Taxation program, and provide funds to local governments and land trusts engaged in farmland preservation. A summary of objectives for Enhance Protection of Forests, funding options - Support Existing Open Space Protection Programs, Identify and Authorize Additional Funding Sources for Open Space Preservation was reviewed per the report. Open discussion included ideas of simpler permitting processes, and a memo from the Planning Department that lists how to get through the county and state systems to get a permit for an agricultural enterprise. Jacobs asked staff to get copies to APB members for their input. The APB also discussed tools to generate revenue to keep farmers farming such as the farmer -to- farmer transfer or conservation options for farming. Other options included developing a local agricultural economy such as preferential purchasing, a value added processing center, a broker /financial advisor for farmers. Regional cooperation for connectivity of open space and regional processing centers was discussed in the work group. The APB discussed the forthcoming bond issues in regards to open space with staff to report on information from the CNATF in May. Stancil noted that this would bring together Items IV.B and V. A for discussion. The county space study, from the Space Needs Study Task Force, has been prepared and is looking at two options. One option recommends having the Planning, Environment Health and ERC departments move to a new building adjacent the Government Services Center. Option two recommends moving Planning and Environmental Health leaving ERCD in the present location with Soil & Water Conservation and Cooperation Extension because we work with them on farm related topics. This pending study (not BOCC adopted to date), would reallocate this building (after moving out some department) between those left and remodel the remaining areas into an Agricultural Center. A canopy would be added along the eastern edge of the building to establish a farmers market. Some of the funding for those changes could come from the bond package, somewhat indirectly. The idea of a freestanding agricultural center at another location is not part of the bond issue. Morrow noted that other funding could be sought. Recor noted that if the activities of farmers market, and other activities are begun at the current location they could be expanded in the future Draft 3/21/2001