APB Meeting Summary 01212026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 recaptured PUV deferred taxes for farmland preservation. This was approved in Wake County, where the county commissioners must annually approve allocating a specific amount of the recaptured funds to farmland preservation each year. The APB will need to make their case to the BOCC for a similar measure as recommended in our new plan. Perrin thanked Hall for a good program, helpful answers and all the work she's done on the audit process. We'll be working to develop a similar process to monitor the farms enrolled in our VAD farms. 6. Items for Decision: a) Final Draft of the Ag Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan: Chair Hughes asked for a motion to approve our final draft plan. We can then move it forward to the BOCC for final acceptance. This version was generated when the subcommittee met again in November to review it one last time, as per APB instructions. That group made some edits and concluded that this revised plan reflects the full spirit of our original plan. Staff will develop a draft letter or preface that distills the issues for the BOCC as they consider this final plan. Ranells moved to approve this new final draft, seconded by Compton; motion carried. 7. Discussion Items: a) VAD Program Update: Perrin referred members to the handout. She expects to have several farms ready to share at our March meeting. They will then be presented to the BOCC in April. The Ag Summit is coming up on Feb. 161". She reviewed our recent VAD Breakfast at Chestnut Ridge to get a sense of what the APB would like to do for 2026. The goal is to bring together all the VAD landowners, to thank them and to share new/current information with them. Some members would like to have more time to visit with other attendees. There was a general sense that it was too much to try to have the board meeting on the same morning. Members complimented the food and the venue. After discussion, there was a consensus that Chestnut Ridge was a good location. Their staff handles a good amount of the set-up work, which helps our staff. Discussion followed about the lengths/topics of the presentations. Members found the content helpful and enjoyed having the presentation about a VAD farm by the farm owners. One idea was for a presentation by our local horse logger, Patrick Flanagan (601) 917-3276. b) Annual Report and Work Plan: This had to be submitted on Jan. 161". Our report will be presented by the chair at the upcoming Feb. 101" BOCC Work Session. c) Proposed Subcommittee for educational initiatives: We're looking for volunteers willing to serve on a subcommittee to develop a vision and goals for ways to better educate the general public/policy makers about the importance of agriculture to the county. Members noted that most folks don't know the APB exists. Fabian, Neff and Rose offered to volunteer. Staff noted that Hooten and Miller and Weitzel had also expressed interest. 8. Informational Items/Updates: a. Grant application for Cost of Community Services Study: Staff provided an update on the county's grant application, which was submitted in December, to seek $14,000 for a new