HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2009-079 BOCC Resolution To Adopt an Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan~~ ~~~r~(ay - ~~°~
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RESOLUTION
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TO ADOPT AN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND
FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
WHEREAS, Orange County has demonstrated a longtime commitment to farmland preservation;
and
WHEREAS, The Board adopted a Voluntary Farmland Protection Ordinance in 1992 which
established the Voluntary Agricultural District Program and created the Agricultural
Districts Advisory Board (now the Agricultural Preservation Board); and
WHEREAS, The Board adopted a Lands Legacy Program in April, 2000 which has led to the
permanent protection of more than 2,500 acres of land, including a significant
amount of farmland obtained through agricultural conservation easements; and
WHEREAS, The Board recognized the significance of agriculture in Orange County by
authorizing the creation of a new Agricultural Chapter in the Natural and Cultural
Systems Element of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, The County has sponsored an annual Agricultural Summit for more than ten years;
and
WHEREAS, The County has recognized and supported the business needs of local farmers
through innovative partnership ventures such as the upcoming Piedmont Food and
Agricultural Processing Center and the Breeze Farm Incubator Program; and
WHEREAS, This new Farmland Protection Plan, endorsed by the Agricultural Preservation
Board, Soil and Water District Commission Board of Supervisors, Farm Services
Agency Committee for Durham and Orange counties, and Cooperative Extension
Advisory Council, will serve as the strategic plan for local agricultural needs in
Orange County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby adopt a countywide Agricultural
Development and Farmland Protection Plan, and commends the Plan to the N.C. Department of
Agriculture..
This the 17th day of November 2009.
Attest
Donna Baker, Cler to the Board
~~
Valerie Foushee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners