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45 <br /> AGRICULTURE, WORKING LANDS, <br /> AND OPEN SPACES POLICIES <br /> AGA Preserve Orange County's working lands <br /> for farming and forestry. <br /> Orange County will ensure that the county's highest quality farmland and <br /> forestland will be preserved for the benefit of future generations. <br /> This will be achieved by ensuring that agricultural lands are protected from <br /> development using the appropriate conservation tools. Working and active farm and <br /> forest lands should be prioritized for conservation using the best available data. <br /> The intent of this policy is to support the County's vision of protecting open spaces <br /> and preserving agricultural lands.Working lands play a vital role in Orange County's <br /> environment,food security, economy,community heritage,and overall livelihood of its <br /> residents. Objectives of this policy include: <br /> • Ensure Orange County has land available that can provide agriculture and forestry <br /> products to support the local economy through sustainably-produced goods and <br /> agriculture and forestry-based jobs. <br /> • Amend the UDO to provide for preservation-focused Agriculture Subdivisions and <br /> encourage the use of this flexible development tool in the subdivision and zoning <br /> processes. <br /> • Preserve land and facilities for agriculture-based learning and education. <br /> • Preserve the county's prime agricultural soils,which account for nearly 3/4 of the <br /> county area. <br /> • Strengthen partnerships with conservation organizations and other public entities <br /> such as federal agencies, municipalities,and other counties to achieve mutual <br /> conservation goals. <br /> • Provide locally sourced, healthy,affordable,and accessible food options for all <br /> residents. <br /> 42 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT <br />