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Attachment 1 <br />Agricultural Center — Concepts and Possible Process <br />On August 20 and September 17, the Agricultural Preservation Board reviewed all <br />previous documentation on the concept of an Agricultural Center and discussed the <br />potential uses, changes to the concept since previous discussions, potential stakeholders, <br />and possible grant sources for such a project. A summary of the Board's discussion is <br />presented as follows: <br />Rationale for a Center <br />1. Offers opportunities to promote the economic viability of farms and explore new <br />and innovative agricultural practices (such as farm land -link initiatives, <br />Community- Supported Agriculture, Value -Added Local Food Processing, <br />organic cooperatives, and others) <br />2. May help to address County building space needs, providing a location for some <br />or all agricultural agencies — possibly with shared facilities for events, farm <br />demonstrations, meetings, and other related uses. <br />List of Possible Stakeholders <br />1. Farmers (both traditional and organic /non- traditional) <br />2. Consumers (local citizens) <br />3. Farm organizations / commodity associations (Farm Bureau, Livestock Assn, etc) <br />4. Conservation organizations (USDA, Soil and Water, Lands Legacy, land trusts) <br />5. Local Governments <br />6. Business and economic development interests <br />7. School Systems <br />8. Large Institutions (UNC, Duke, others) <br />9. State agricultural representatives <br />10. Representatives from adjoining County farm groups <br />"Taking A New Look" - Possible Uses for an Agricultural Center <br />1. Agriculture and Conservation Agency Offices <br />a. Cooperative Extension (with space for 4 -H, Horticulture, Family <br />Consumer Sciences, other programs) <br />b. USDA Agencies <br />i. Natural Resource Conservation Service / Orange Soil and Water <br />District <br />ii. Farm Services Agency (FSA - formerly ASCS) <br />iii. USDA Rural Development (formerly Farmers Home <br />Administration) <br />c. Environment and Resource Conservation? <br />d. Recreation and Parks? <br />2 <br />05 <br />