Agenda - 08-25-2008- c2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ a~ ":f'he Village Project Comments on the Ora~~ge C`:ou~~ty C:on~prehe~~sive flan Lrl~date Draft 2 ancillary agricultural businesses is supported by the County. Farmland preservation districts, agricultural preservation through private conservation easements, and the use value taxation model are working to protect farmland and the farming industry in Orange County. More can be done, and County regulations are being reviewed to identify impediments to farming practices. The potential for the Strategic Growth and Rural Conservation program and enhanced farmland preservation districts could provide additional opportunities for farmland protection. Developing a local food system that links local producers and consumers is of high importance. The number of farmers markets operating in the County has increased in recent years, exemplifying their success. Agri-tourism and farming events have also proven popular. One idea to expand on the success of our local agricultural industry is to identify suitable locations for agricultural facilities, such as processing centers, community kitchens, demonstration tracts, community gardens, and the like that can bring together producers and consumers and educate the next generation of farmers. Orange. County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro initiated a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Reduction Action Plan project in 2006. More can be done to improve air quality and reduce the use ofnon-renewable fuels over the planning horizon. Ideas include the promotion of private and public use of alternative fuel sources and power generation options, such as harnessing and using landfill gas, and participating in green energy production programs. Our historical character has been protected through the efforts of national and local level preservation programs. Cultural landscapes, historic structures, and even scenic roadways ancillary agricultural businesses is supported by the County. Farmland preservation districts, agricultural preservation through private conservation easements, and the use value taxation model are working to protect farmland and the farming industry in Orange County. More can be done, and County regulations are being reviewed to identify impediments to farnung practices. The potential for the Strategic Growth and Rural Conservation program and enhanced farmland preservation districts could provide additional opportunities for farmland protection. Developing a local food system that links local producers and consumers is of high importance. The number of farmers markets operating in the County has increased in recent years, exemplifying their success. Agri-tourism and farming events have also proven popular. One idea to expand on the success of our local agricultural industry is to identify suitable locations for agricultural facilities, such as processing centers, community kitchens, demonstration tracts, community gardens, and the like that can bring together producers and consumers and educate the next generation of farmers. Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro initiated a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Reduction Action Plan project in 2006. More can be done to improve air quality and reduce the use ofnon-renewable fuels over the planning horizon. Ideas include the promotion of private and public use of alternative fuel sources and power generation options, such as harnessing and using landfill gas, and participating in green energy production programs. Our historical character has been protected through the efforts of national and local level preservation programs. Cultural landscapes, historic structures, and even scenic roadways Page 7 June 6, 2008