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<br />demand for local agricultural product while creating primary contributory businesses that <br />represent employment growth and an expanded and diversified tax base. <br /> <br />SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br />this item: <br /> GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY <br />The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary <br />for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their <br />dependents. <br /> <br />Equally important as economic growth, local agriculture and food systems have the effect of <br />connecting local communities around the basic commonality of producing and consuming food. <br />Reconciliation of the recent disconnect between ourselves and our food sources has the added <br />benefit of creating common ground among all residents within that system. <br /> <br />ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal <br />impacts are applicable to this item: <br /> ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE REDUCTION <br />Initiate policies and programs that: 1) conserve energy; 2) reduce resource consumption; <br />3) increase the use of recycled and renewable resources; and 4) minimize waste stream <br />impacts on the environment. <br /> CLEAN OR AVOIDED TRANSPORTATION <br />Implement programs that monitor and improve local and regional air quality by: 1) <br />promoting public transportation options; 2) decreasing dependence on single-occupancy <br />vehicles, and 3) otherwise minimizing the need for travel. <br /> <br />In responding to shifting values and demand, local agriculture and food systems tend to embrace <br />the principles and ethics of low-impact, naturally grown, and regenerative practices resulting in <br />healthier climate, land, food, and people. Proximity creates greater awareness and appreciation <br />of these practices as well as the practitioner and consumer neighbors. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation <br />and discuss as appropriate the importance and benefits of local and regional food systems and <br />policies, funding, education, and advocacy efforts in the area of community and economic <br />development. <br />2