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2 <br /> statewide basis. Trust Fund grants are an important source of funding for farmland preservation <br /> efforts, as the funds allow County funds to be significantly leveraged. Since 2016, Orange County <br /> has been awarded just over $1.9 million in ADFP Trust Fund grants to support farmland projects <br /> being undertaken through the Lands Legacy and Conservation Easement programs. Having a <br /> current, updated Plan also demonstrates Orange County's strong commitment to farmland <br /> preservation, an important factor in the ADFP Trust Fund's competitive application evaluation <br /> process. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. There is potential <br /> fiscal benefit, in the form of a reduced local match (15% instead of the current 30%)for state grant <br /> funds, with the adoption of the new Plan. This lower local match would apply for both farmland <br /> preservation and agricultural economic development grant projects. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Incentivize and promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems <br /> development through supportive policy, funding, farmland protection and educational <br /> outreach. <br /> OBJECTIVE 6. Protect water supply/watersheds. <br /> • GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Review and revise County policies and regulations to support business <br /> investment in Orange County. <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Provide resources to small, creative, and agro-businesses that add <br /> character and quality of life to our community to attract employers, employees, and visitors. <br /> OBJECTIVE 6. Provide workforce and business development resources to enhance the <br /> skills of residents of the County <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accept the new Agricultural <br /> Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan and authorize staff to submit the final Plan to the <br /> Agricultural and Farmland Protection Trust Fund program within the NC Department of Agriculture <br /> and Consumer Services. <br />