HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-04-2011 - 5iORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 4, 2011
Action Agenda,
Item No. Jam' " I
cl IRJFCT~ Grant Submittal to the Golden Leaf Foundation on Behalf of Piedmont Grown
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development, PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N~ No
Environment, Agriculture, Parks
and Recreation (DEAPR) &
Cooperative Extension
ATTACH~VIENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Budget Noah Ranells, Economic Development,
245-2330
Steve Brantley, Economic Development,
245-2325
Dave Stancil, DEAPR, 245-2510
Carl Matyac, Cooperative Extension,
245-2050
PURPOSE: To authorize staff to submit a $148,500 grant proposal to the Golden Leaf
Foundation on behalf of Piedmont Grown.
BACKGROUND: The successful launch of the Piedmont Grown regional branding and
marketing program this past June was a result of collaborative efforts between Orange
County Economic Development and Cooperative Extension. With regional participation
from the Triangle, Triad, and Charlotte areas, the goal of Piedmont Grown is to increase
awareness of locally grown, raised, and made farm products as well as ag tourism
opportunities for the general public.
Piedmont Grown has made significant progress during its establishment phase and has
submitted a `letter of inquiry' to the Golden Leaf Foundation for an `agriculture-market
expansion' grant proposal. The letter is the first stage in applying for a grant and it was
received favorably by Golden Leaf staff. However, anon-profit or government entity is
required for this grant proposal to proceed to the next level of consideration. While the
Piedmont Grown bylaws filed with the NC Secretary of State's Office include the mandate
to function as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit entity, Piedmont Grown has not yet obtained an IRS
determination on its non profit status. Upon consultation with Golden Leaf staff, it was
suggested that Piedmont Grown request that Orange County be the grant applicant, and
thereby fulfill the requirement that all applicants be a non profit or governmental entity.
The 'agriculture-market expansion' project proposal expands the Piedmont Grown brand
via recruitment of farms, farmers' markets, & local food system businesses. Funding
allows branding cost share for licensees, including farmers, farmers' markets, retail
grocers,. & food wholesalers. By enhancing market access and branding of farm products,
this project supports and develops economic strength in tobacco dependent, economically
distressed areas, as well as rural communities. Outreach to farmers and local food
system businesses will be conducted to increase awareness of the Piedmont Grown
program, with follow up phone, email, & in-person visits to enhance enrolment. Point of
sale, farm focused material will increase consumer awareness of Piedmont Grown. A
searchable website will put Piedmont Grown licensed farms 'on-the-map', enhancing farm
income through direct-to-consumer sales. Program sustainability wall be enhanced by
increased revenue through certifications and on-line website advertising.
Currently, there are 22 farms, 3 restaurants, 2 retail grocers, and 1 artisan food producer
that are listed for Orange County. By agreeing to serve as the grant applicant, Orange
County would assist all these Orange County businesses as well as o#hers in the County.
In addition, the regional aspect of Piedmont Grown has the potential to be beneficial to the
launch of the Piedmont Food & Ag Processing Center which is also a regional effort, albeit
slightly smaller in scope than Piedmont Grown.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with Orange County
serving as the administrative grant applicant for full development of the grant proposal.
There is no local match required. Staff resources in Economic Development will provide
minimal support as necessary for this grant effort. Reports will be submitted by Piedmont
Grown.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board authorize Economic
Development staff to serve as the primary contact for full development of a $'!48,500 grant
proposal to Golden Leaf Foundation for Piedmont Grown programming.
3
'Q-~C~~I~ ~~~
301 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: 252-442-7474 Toll Free: 888-684-8404
www.QOldenleaf.or~
2010-2011 Open Grants Program Letter of Inquiry
D.. ,.+ 72.~r1rsn4
1 1 v chi Luu vi
Line Item Expenses
Total Cost of
Line Item
Requested
Contribution
from Golden
LEAF
Contribution
from other
source(s)
Cash or
In-kind
Pro ram Mana er 45000.00 30000 15000 Cash
Marketin Cost-Share 90000 70000 20000 Cash
Website advertisin ro ram 15000 15000 0 Cash
Pro ram Marketin /Outreach 30000 25000 5000 Cash
Office Su lies 4000 2000 2000 Cash
Travel. /-client visits 6000 3000 3000 Cash
Office Lease 4000 2000 2000 Cash
O erational Su ort /Utilities 3000 1500 1500 Cash
TOTAL: 197000.00 148500.00 47500.00
Will this project leverage other funds? ~If yes, please identify the source and the amount.
Source Amount Cash In-Kind
Requested Committed Committed
Piedmont Grown Licensees
$0
$99000
$15000 $
NC Specialty Crop
$0
Will this project be in collaboration with other partners? If yes, please list. (Character limit 336)
10% Campaign (CEFS:NCSU, NCDACS, NCATSU).Coop Markets (Weaver Street, Company Shops,
Chatham Marketplace, Deep Roots).NC Cooperative Eactension.Universities (UNC CH; NC State, Elon).
Institutional Food Service (Cafe Bon Appetit, Compass Group) Grocers.Food Wholesalers /Brokers (ECO,
US Foods, Freshpoint, Wards, Fords).NC Farm Bur
2011 GOLDEN LEAF OPEN GRANTS PROGRAM LETTER OF INQUIRY PAGE 4 OF 4