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18 <br /> • Completed a widely distributed survey of Orange County farmers/landowners <br /> to inform revision of the Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection <br /> Plan. Findings and recommendations will be presented to the BOCC in 2024. <br /> • Assisted Economic Development in reviewing and evaluating new applications <br /> for the Ag Economic Development Grant Program; three members of the APB <br /> serve on the grant review committee. <br /> • Hosted another successful annual VAD breakfast and educational program, <br /> attended by approximately 85 farm owners. <br /> • Assisted farm owners with enrollment in the Century Farm Program. <br /> • Continued installing new road signs to identify farms enrolled in the Voluntary <br /> Agricultural District programs, as well as to recognize participating farmers <br /> and increase program visibility. <br /> List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. <br /> • Reviews and approves applications from farmers seeking to participate in the <br /> VAD/EVAD program, every other month. <br /> • Hosts an annual breakfast for VAD landowners to recognize their efforts to preserve <br /> agriculture and to provide them with current educational information through <br /> presentations and programs. <br /> Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC <br /> goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. <br /> • The APB promotes, reviews and recommends new Voluntary Agricultural Districts <br /> and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts that help protect farmland (Comp <br /> Plan, Natural and Cultural Systems Goal 2). <br /> • The Board oversees the creation implementation of a long-term plan for agricultural <br /> development and farmland protection; an update of this plan is now underway. (Goal <br /> 2, Goal 5). <br /> • The APB makes recommendations on goals and objectives for the triennial <br /> Lands Legacy Action Plan (Goal 8). <br /> Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2024 as they <br /> relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact <br /> (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities <br /> (please list). <br /> • Undertake the update of the County's Agricultural Development and Farmland <br /> Protection Plan, last produced in 2009, using new findings from our Farmland <br /> Preservation Subcommittee. The APB will seek outside funding and collaborate <br /> with relevant farm agencies to facilitate the completion of this major plan update. <br /> • Continue to collaborate and communicate more effectively with the Planning <br /> Department and the BOCC in matters relating to agriculture. <br /> • Continue to promote and recommend Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Enhanced <br /> Voluntary Agricultural Districts. <br />