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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-16-2010 - 4gORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 16, 2010 Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: Grant Submittal to the Rural Advancement Fund International USA, Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, for the PLANT @ Breeze Farm Enterprise Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No Cooperative Extension ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Noah Ranells, Economic Development, 245-2330 Brad Broadwell, Economic Development, 245-2325 Carl Matyac, Cooperative Extension, 245-2050 PURPOSE: To authorize staff to submit a $30,000 grant proposal to the Rural Advancement Fund International USA, Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, for the PLANT @ Breeze Farm Enterprise Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center. BACKGROUND: The development of new farm enterprises and diversification of existing farm operations can be challenging and pose considerable financial risk. However, there are many opportunities for production and marketing of farm products produced by local farmers. With modest, yet critical, annual County funding of $10,000, the PLANT @ Breeze Farm Enterprise Incubator was initiated in 2007 and continues to serve residents of Orange County and its neighboring counties. Through a strong effective interdepartmental collaboration, Cooperative Extension and Economic Development developed and implemented a series of eight Wednesday evening workshops held every January and February. With strong support from the local community, approximately 50 aspiring farmers attended each of the workshops of the 8-week training series held this past January and February. Local farmers were involved in presentation and discussion at each workshop, along with a local, regional, or state farm related specialist. Following the workshop series, participants who wanted to farm land at the Breeze Farm were required to complete a business plan. If approved, theses individuals were able to contract for prepared planting beds and grow their own crops. A total of 17 farm enterprises have participated, and others have initiated or expanded their farm operations on land they currently own. Given the success this past year, Cooperative Extension and Economic Development have identified the need for additional funds to support this project and expand the program activities. 2 Therefore, staff requests authorization to submit a grant proposal to the Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund for $30,000. The application deadline is November 19, 2010. Funds from this grant will be used to provide for expansion plans that may include a mentor farmer, new irrigation system, and specialized equipment. Additionally, new initiatives in permaculture, as well as fruit and berry production, may be facilitated with these funds. The PLANT @ Breeze Farm Enterprise Incubator is a successful part of the concept plan for the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension and Research Center. It was instituted at a fall 2006 joint meeting of Orange County representatives and administrators from the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Implementing the concept plan for the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center is guided by the Breeze Planning Committee, composed of Orange County Cooperative Extension and Economic Development staff as well as three representatives from NC State University. There was agreement by this Committee to submit a grant proposal to further develop the Incubator Component of the Breeze Concept Plan. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with submitting this grant proposal. There is no local match required. However, the existing County funding coupled with the commitment of County staff does enhance the County's position for this competitive grant opportunity. Staff resources in Cooperative Extension and Economic Development will continue to be dedicated to guiding activities at the Breeze Farm. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board authorize staff to submit a $30,000 grant proposal to the Rural Advancement Fund International USA, Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, for the PLANT @ Breeze Farm Enterprise Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center.