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9 <br /> DRAFT/March 28,2025 <br /> 1 . Overview <br /> Orange County citizens and decision-makers recognize the economic, <br /> environmental, and cultural benefits of sustainable agriculture and the necessity <br /> of a robust local farming community. The goal of Promoting Sustainable <br /> Agriculture is included in the Orange County Strategic Plan 2025-2029 as a <br /> primary means of achieving the County's top Strategic Priorities of <br /> Environmental Protection and Climate Action: The County will "incentivize and <br /> promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems development through <br /> supportive policy, funding, farmland protection, and educational outreach" <br /> (Orange County, 2024). <br /> This Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan was developed to <br /> support the County in incentivizing and promoting sustainable agriculture and <br /> local food systems development. The Plan describes recent trends in agriculture <br /> and farmland loss, challenges to and opportunities for continued farming, vision <br /> and goals for agriculture, and recommendations for maintaining farmland and <br /> supporting a viable farming community in Orange County. The Plan meets <br /> content guidelines outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes (§ 106-744) for <br /> preferential eligibility for NC Agricultural Development and Farmland <br /> Preservation Trust Fund monies supporting agricultural viability and conservation <br /> projects (NC General Statutes, 2024). <br /> This Plan updates the County's Agricultural Development and Farmland <br /> Protection Plan issued in 2009. It is intended to be a dynamic plan that is <br /> updated and reissued biennially to address the needs and challenges <br /> associated with a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. Actions <br /> recommended in the Plan are intended to be implemented over the next 5 <br /> years from 2025 to 2029 in keeping with the timeframe of the County's Strategic <br /> Plan. <br />