Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
� ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT <br /> ORA E L TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT No rH CARQLLNA Ora"g; �m utt <br /> 8, <br /> Item 5.a. <br /> Subject: Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan <br /> Attachment: Draft Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan <br /> PURPOSE: To provide comments on the Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan. <br /> BACKGROUND:The Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan supports Orange County's <br /> Strategic Priorities of Environmental Protection and Climate Action by promoting sustainable <br /> agriculture and local food systems. It addresses key challenges such as farmland conversion, <br /> economic pressures on farming, climate impacts, and an aging farmer population. Despite these <br /> issues, Orange County has significant assets: fertile land, a strong community of passionate and <br /> emerging farmers, and public support for local, sustainable food. <br /> • The Plan outlines a vision for a thriving agricultural future through three main goals: <br /> • Enhance farm viability and protect farmland through strategic land use planning and <br /> supportive resources. <br /> • Inform and engage the public and policymakers to strengthen support for local agriculture. <br /> • Support farmers' livelihoods with education, infrastructure, and financial assistance. <br /> By leveraging existing strengths and implementing targeted recommendations, Orange County aims <br /> to preserve farmland, support its farming community, and build a resilient local food system. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact currently. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: <br /> • GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION <br /> • OBJECTIVE 2. Increase community awareness of all modes of transportation including <br /> transit, bike and pedestrian, vehicle, and all other modes. <br /> • OBJECTIVE 3.Support road projects that address congestion and reduce commute time using <br /> the County' s Complete Streets policy. <br /> • OBJECTIVE 4. Coordinate transit investments with municipal and county land use planning <br /> to reduce vehicle miles travelled and to provide more equitable access to shopping, <br /> employment, medical centers, college campuses, etc. <br /> ACTION: <br /> Recommend comments on Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan (Attachment 1). <br /> 600 Hwy 86 N - Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 <br /> Phone (919)245-2008 - Fax (919) 732-2137 <br /> orangecountync.gov/transportation <br />