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Home My WebLink AboutAPB Agenda 111820 ORANGE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD AGENDA November 18th, 2020 ***Virtual Meeting via GoToMeeting link invitation*** 6:30 p.m. Time Agenda Item 6:30 1. Call to Order 6:31 2. Chair Comments/Introduction of Guests 6:32 3. Consideration of Additions to Agenda 6:33 4. Meeting Summary / Minutes (Attachment 1) 6:35 5. Items for Decision: a. New VAD/EVAD Applications (Attachment 2) 7:10 6. Discussion Items: a. Annual Report and Work Plan for 2020 (Attachment 3) b. Revised approach to Ag Trust Fund proposal 7:25 7. Informational Items / Updates: a. Presentation on Present Use Program by Roger Gund is scheduled for January meeting b. Ag Economic Development update c. Follow up on milk processing feasibility grant application 7:35 8. Time for information sharing 7:45 9. Adjournment ***Next Meeting: January 20th 2021 *** Attachment 1 Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board DRAFT Meeting Summary: September 16, 2020 'Virtual Meeting via GoToMeeting' 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Compton, Dawson, McAdams, McKnight, McPherson, Myers, Parker, Redding, Saiers, Sykes, Vanhook, Woods Members Absent:Anderson, Finley; Shambley Guests: None Staff: Gail Hughes, Resource Conservation Coordinator-Orange Soil and Water; Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator; Gail Hughes, Tyrone Fisher, County Extension Director; Chris Hirni, Land Conservation Manager 1. Call to order: Chair Redding called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Chair Comments/Introductions: None 3. Considerations of Additions to Agenda: Staff noted that the Lands Legacy discussion might be moved earlier in the agenda depending on Chris Hirni's schedule. Hughes asked that we add the topic of making a decision about holding the annual VAD breakfast this fall. Redding asked that we consider moving forward to invite Roger Gund with the County Tax Administration staff to join one of our meetings to discuss Present Use Value and other issues of interest to the ag community. 4. Meeting Summary/Minutes: January 15, 2020: Saiers moved to accept the minutes/summary; seconded by Woods; motion carried. 5. Items for Decision: a) New VAD/EVAD Applications(Attachment 2): Hughes presented the current applications listed below.All of these farms meet the requirements/criteria for VAD/EVAD enrollment. • Michael Hughes/Dale Morgan (Feb. application): 29.26 acres for EVAD, Cane Creek/ Buckhorn District. Apiary,grasses, livestock in the future (sheep) and managed woodlands. • Randy/Theresa Pope (March application): 127.74 acres for VAD, Cedar Grove Ag District. Grains, soybeans, livestock(chickens) and woodland • Charles Edens(April application): 32.92 acres for VAD, Cedar Grove Ag District. Vegetables; livestock: pigs, chickens,turkeys and woodland. • Matthew Pinkston (April application): 26.32 acres for VAD, Cedar Grove Ag District. Fescue grass/hayland. • Stanley Hughes, Linda Leach, Bennie Hughes Heirs(May application): 52.28 acres for VAD, Caldwell/Cedar Grove Ag District.Tobacco, sweet potatoes,vegetables and woodland. • Michael/Betsy Parker(Sept. application): 111.41 acres for VAD, Caldwell Ag District.Tobacco, soybeans, grain, corn and managed woodland. • NCSU -Breeze Farm (August application): 269.22 acres for VAD, Schley/Eno District.This is the NC Cooperative Extension Service incubator farm for new farmers.Vegetables,flowers, corn, soybeans, grain crops, beef cattle and managed woodland. 2 Vanhook moved to approve all of the applications, seconded by Compton; motion carried. b) Appointment of APB member to serve on Food Council:Staff introduced the topic of appointing a new APB member, or perhaps finding a volunteer to replace Ken Dawson,who has been the APB representative on the Food Council since it was started in 2016. Dawson provided an overview of the Food Council. Our member will attend the meetings and represent the ag community. It is made up of representatives from a diverse background across various non-profit entities and local governments; membership comes from the public health and education community as well. We need to continue to have this presence to represent issues of importance to real farmers. The Council helped initiate and coordinate ways to respond to the food insecurity issues created by the pandemic, such as the food distribution effort spearheaded by the Extension Service.Tyrone explained how they partnered with the Dept. of Social Services and others to implement food distribution to help provide local food, with around 180-200 households at both Cedar Ridge and Carrboro high schools. Chair Redding asked for potential volunteers to express their interest but no one stepped forward. Discussion followed. Staff explained that in such cases the APB could initiate a system of rotating representation, starting with the chair,then the vice chair,then moving through the roster. Dawson reviewed the recent initiative to implement the Ag Trust Fund program, which is still viable and will require a renewed push from the APB to keep alive. Chair Redding agreed to represent the APB at the next Food Council meeting. c) Annual VAD Breakfast: Hughes asked for a formal decision on this. Given all the restraints on meetings right now,this cannot be held this fall. Members expressed agreement that we needed to cancel the breakfast for this year. We can keep the topic on the agenda for future meetings. 6. Discussion Items: a) Lands Legacy Action Plan and funding update: Staff reviewed the handout provided by Chris Hirni and walked members through the comments that the APB made in 2017 when we last provided input. Hirni walked members through the core goals and purposes of this program, and how projects need to be ranked depending on the varying priorities of the agencies granting the funds. There is a list of projects in the pipeline if and when funds are obtained. It's not essential for farms to be in the PUV or VAD programs to be eligible, but those add points to applications. Ultimately, the BOCC needs to approve a project before he can apply for grant funds to proceed with a project. The APB continues to advocate for special emphasis on projects that promote the preservation of prime farmland.Also,we did get word that funding for this program has been preserved and is in the budget for FY 2021-22. b) Dates for the next APB meeting: Members agreed to plan to meet again on November 181n provided there are items of business to conduct. 7. Informational Items/Future Agenda Items: a. Local Food Distribution Program:Staff reviewed this topic,which was covered in more detail by Tyrone Fisher earlier in the meeting. b. Ag Economic Development Update: no report at this meeting c. Status of milk processing feasibility study grant application: Staff reported that the application that McKnight worked so hard on was not approved. She was hoping to learn more about how we might enhance our application to have a better chance to get funding.This can be revisited on the November agenda. 3 d. Status of Gail's position and schedule for filling it: Hughes reported on the current status following her retirement last December. Her position was frozen at the start of the pandemic and may well be frozen until January, or even July, 2021. Her position is high on the list for funding if/when the hiring freeze is lifted.The Department found some funding to allow her to work 15 hours per week since March to help keep some of her Soil and Water projects moving, as well as continuing to work on new VAD farms. Hughes explained that she was going to be running for a Soil and Water Commissioner post this November, and if elected,will no longer be able to work part time on Soil and Water projects due to conflict of interest. She doesn't want to see the momentum of the VAD program slow down.The APB might decide to send a letter of support for filling this position at the earliest possible time. e. Farm Act:Hughes reviewed some of the highlights of the new Farm Act bill passed by the General Assembly, including agritourism signage, along with some new provisions regarding the PUV program and how the PUV status transfers with the land to a new landowner. She will share the link with all the members. 8. Time for Information Sharing: We might consider inviting Roger Gund to make a presentation to the APB. 9. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. Attachment 2 VAD-EVAD Summary for APB Nov. 18, 2020 Farm applications for VAD for APB consideration: The following are completed applications that meet all criteria for VAD/EVAD enrollment: NEW APPLICATIONS ( Sept. -Nov. 2020) 2a: Isaac and Sharon Lau • 37.8 acres— VAD—Cedar Grove Ag. District- 1 parcel • Pasture for livestock grazing and hayland • Managed woodland (small acreage) 2b: Peggy Fuller • 116.16 acres ---VAD—Cedar Grove Ag District--1 parcel • Hayland • Newly planted Woodland(Forestry Mgt. Plan is being developed) 2c: Watt Parker (new parcels to add to his existing enrollement) • 172.91 acres—VAD —Cedar Grove Ag. District— 2 parcel • Hayland/pastures • Managed Woodland 2d: Greg Bohlen/Bohlen Farms/Bandit Farms LLC/Bandit Farms II/Josh Williams • 509.5 acres—VAD—New Hope and White Cross Ag Districts— 17 parcels • Vineyard/table grapes (selling at Weaver St. as Union Grove Farm) • Managed Woodland Ownership change only: no change in acres: Allen/Christine Green= owners 7030 Woodcrest Farm Ln. (18 ac.) PIN 9840687135 will remain owners and change farm name to Green Acres Farm of Orange County Daniel/Liza Green=new owners of 5604 Dairyland Rd. (12 ac.) PIN 9840298246 • new owners (son/daughter in law) farm name will remain as Woodcrest Farm and Forge New enrollment: pending approval from Ag. Preservation board: VAD = 836.37 acres With APB approval, will increase acreage to: Total: 17,028 acres (rounded) VAD =14,433 EVAD =2595 acres Will present to BOCC for final approval Dec. 7, 2020 Application for Orange County Farmland Preservation ProgrAgricultural District Program Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary g INSTRUCTIONS : Before completing the application , please review the VAD/ EVAD brochure provided ; Complete the form as completely as possible ; sign and date the form , and return to : Orange County Dept. of Environment, Agriculture , Parks and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Division P . O . Box 8181 ( 306 Revere Road) Hillsborough , NC 27278 Phone : 919-245-2750 APPLICANT : Name : JSQct�C �( t�t , Sh� rvn Address : City : Cadar� 6 r ovy, State : MC, _ Zip Code : ,2.? ,,Q3 / Phone Number ( Day) : q 19 �1 K8�8'! 4 I ( Evening ) : qI q qq r,?141 & Mail : IS /ccu 14( @ � ; f • coeyl PROPERTY INFORMATION : Property Location/Address ( s ) : ( 02 / �/�2/le /M ��s Agriculture District /Township : tf rb v%me Parcel Identification Number ( PIN) : $ 5 `� 6 3 y S 6 Acres 3 7 • g Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : _ Acres Y Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Total Number of Acres on all tracts of land : 37 • S Does this land have a plan on file with the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service or the NC Forest Service ? Yes : . No : K _ If " No" , please complete last page of form Is the land enrolled in Present Use Value taxation program with Orange County Tax Office? Yes : x No : If " No" , please complete last page of form Revised 1 /28/2020 CONSERVATION AGREEMENT DETAIL of VAD and EVAD : Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD ) conservation agreements are for a period of ten years . The landowner may revoke the agreement through a written request to the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board . A Conservation Agreement for land within a Voluntary Agricultural District shall be automatically renewed for an additional term of ten years unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner(s) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement . At the end of each ten-year term , the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional ten-year term unless notice of termination is given . i Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District ( EVAD ) conservation agreements are fora j period of ten years , but cannot be revoked during the term of the agreement . EVAD enrollment, however , offers landowners additional benefits such as a higher percentage of cost-share . funds under the Agricultural Cost Share Program . A Conservation Agreement for an Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District shall be deemed automatically renewed for an additional term of three years unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner(s) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement . At the end of each three-year term the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional three-year term unless notice of termination is given . I [We] have read the Conservation Agreement details above and I [we] understand the benefits of the VAD and/or EVAD program . Please mark which designation you are requesting enrollment and sign below. �LI [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS A VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT I [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS AN ENHANCED VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT j SIGNATURE r DATE 17 i OWNER [S] CERTIFICATION : I [We] , the applicants] and landowner(s) , hereby certify that , to the best of my [our] knowledge , the foregoing application is complete and accurate . (All landowners or a designated representative o the family may sign this application . ) Signature : Date : V i ? ZoZd Signature : Date : 4 � 7 ZoZo Signature : Date : i Signature : _ Date : Signature : Date : Revised 1 /28/2020 Please complete this section for general information about your farm and to help staff Update or develop a conservation plan for the farm . 1 . How long have you owned and your farm ? s- v✓SVF10% *11 2 . How long have you lived on your farm ? fkt 3 . How many acres on your farm are under cultivation ? � acres ( estimate) 4 . What are the majo crops you plant each ear? 6 . How many acres on your farm are used for pasture ? .2 y acres (estimate ) 7 . How many acres on your farm are used for woodland/forestry ? acres (estimate) 8 . If your family has owned and operated the farm over 100 years , would you be interested in the Century Farm Program ? This is an Orange County and NC Dept . of Agriculture recognition program for family farms that have continued to farm for over 100 years . yes no n /A Volunteer opportunity : The Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) is made up of volunteers , who are interested in the counties ' agricultural concerns : protection , preservation , economic sustainability , and the future of farming and agricultural in Orange County . If you are interested in being a potential member of the Agricultural Preservation Board , please indicate and signing below , Yes , please inform me when a position on the APB is available . No , thank you- not at this time . Signature : Cy _� For questions or more information , please contact: Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture , Parks and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Division P . O . Box 8181 ( 306 Revere Road ) Hillsborough , NC 27278 (919 ) 245-2750 (Office ) ( 919 ) 644-3351 (fax) For more detailed information about the Voluntary Farmland Program : Please refer to the Orange County Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance, which can be found in Chapter 48 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances , at the following link : http : //library,. municode . com/index . aspx?clientId= 14983 or staff can provide a copy for you . Revised 1 /28/2020 - - o w O rl HURDLE MILLS RD 3 ow t y,, -id. Idf 'l MW t i . Al l &dr _ _ i FA4 . , 9 AlllL t 1' Isaac & Sharon Lau We Voluntary Agricultural District 1 inch = 438 feet Lau & Sharon Lau ( 37 . 8 acres) Y J PIN 9859693456 ( 37 . 8 acres ) DEAPR 2017 Aerial Land Records GIs Div. 11 /9/2020 Aerial Map OC220K < 0 :\gishome\gisprojects\ land_resource\VAD_Site-Aerial-Vicinity. mxd *%Nw� Application for Orange County I ZO Farmland Preservation Program Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Program INSTRUCTIONS . Before completing the application , please review the VAD/EVAD brochure provided ; Complete the form as completely as possible ; sign and date the form , and return to: Orange County Dept. of Environment , Agriculture , Parks and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Division P . O . Box 8181 (306 Revere Road ) Hillsborough , NC 27278 Phone : 919-245-2750 APPLICANT . Name : Pa ler Address : 9M � � 57�' � fh S4rcc14 City : _ C , cu` Job State : Zip Code : Phone Number ( Dayja4 ) � � �'- � � � ,� ( Evening � o Y) E- Mail : 4.,C, qr � �► Gi rrt2� J, Gorl PROPERTY INFORMATION : D Property Location/Address(s ) : �� l J /" U Ica 't*L Agriculture District /Township : C'ca� �,Q , . ^� ft , Iy'o✓'�J, a % ^r�+ ' � Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres / / 6 • / �► Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) . Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Total Number of Acres on all tracts of land : Does this land have a plan on file with the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service or the NC Forest Service? / Yes . . No :. If No please complete last page of form (... J-A( /Oro f n .&tr ,f., ,-1-1, Cie I / Is the land enro led in Present Use Value taxation program with Orange County Tax Office ? Yes : No : If No , please complete last page of form Revised 1 /28/2020 ( . 4 �' ri"A / f't e.ryr/J CONSERVATION AGREEMENT DETAIL of VAD and EVAD : Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD ) conservation agreements are for a period of ten years . The landowner may revoke the agreement through a written request to the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board . A Conservation Agreement for land within a Voluntary Agricultural District shall be automatically renewed for an additional term of ten years unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner(s ) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement. At the end of each ten-year term , the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional ten-year term unless notice of termination is given . 1, Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District ( EVAD ) conservation agreements are for a period of ten years , but cannot be revoked during the term of the agreement. EVAD enrollment, however, offers landowners additional benefits such as a higher percentage of cost-share funds under the Agricultural Cost Share Program . A Conservation Agreement for an Enhai iced Voluntary Agricultural District shall be deemed automatically renewed for an additional term of three years unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner( s ) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement. At the end of each three-year term the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional three-year term unless notice of termination is given . I [We] have read the Conservation Agreement details above and I [we] understand the benefits of the VAD and/or EVAD program . Pleas mark which designation you are requesting enrollment and sign below. 9 71 [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS A VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT I [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS AN ENHANCED VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT SINAT DATE OWNER[S] CERTIFICATION : I [We] , the applicant[s] and landowner(s ) , hereby certify that, to the best of my [our] knowledge , the foregoing application is complete and accurate . (All landowners or a designated representative of the family may sign this application . ) t, Signature: � �� Date : / 0 / pt a .2 v Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Revised 1 /28/2020 Please complete this section for general information about your farm and to help staff Update or develop a conservation plan for the farm . 1 . How long have you owned and your farm ? D years 2 . How long have you lived on your farm ? D years 3 . How many acres on your farm are under cultivation ?.L / d acres (estimate ) 4 . What are the major crops you plant each year? /0t .,ieo* tArt s G.Ie-P oled4 J raz czre zlr : M . 6 . How many acres on your farm are used for pasture ? wZ S" acres (estimate ) 7 . How many acres on your farm are used for woodland/forestry? � a acres (estimate ) 8 . If your family has owned and operated the farm over 100 years , would you be interested in the Century Farm Program ? This is an Orange County and NC Dept . of Agriculture re co ition program for family farms that have continued to farm for over 100 years . yes no We. ewn4 « � %6t. Proce xx Efveetli 4 x ,Imi Volunteer opportunity: The Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB ) is made up of volunteers , who are interested in the counties ' agricultural concerns : protection , preservation , economic sustainability, and the future of farming and agricultural in Orange County. If you are interested in being a potential member of the Agricultural Preservation Board , please indicate and signing below. ✓Yes , please inform me when a position on the APB is available . _ No , thank you - not at this time . Signature : For questions or more information , please contact : Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture , Parks and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Division P . O . Box 8181 (306 Revere Road ) Hillsborough , NC 27278 (919 ) 245-2750 (Office) (919) 644- 3351 (fax) For more detailed information about the Voluntary Farmland Program : Please refer to the Orange County Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance, which can be found in Chapter 48 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances , at the following link: hM : Hlibrary. municode . com/index . aspx? clientId= 14983 or staff can provide a copy for you . Revised 1 /28/2020 a . Lt lJL , . t 1 'r" l• tir 1 _ ill At 0 �$(,� r r qq A f .? v2i rr r 4W' t Pit. AA r� 11 _ # S: it 1p �1 NO Air AF IP Ar J s ' it • � . - - • ._ i J hi' • It — . j w:+ r • y • e. Rik Al 'Q tit will I fli •, i _ r _ ♦ ♦ ? R Peggy A . Fuller WOE 1 inch 558 feet • • • acres) Voluntary • • Aerialricultural District S DEAPR 2017 • • • _ • Land Records GIS DivF 10/5/2020 Cot, 11 Celli. • • OC220K < 0:\gishome\gisprcjects\ • • j • • rev • IU � I �i ' �-� Application for Orange County Farmland Preservation Program Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Program INSTRUCTIONS : Before completing the application , please review the VAD/EVAD brochure provided ; Complete the form as completely as possible ; sign and date the form , and return to : Orange County Dept. of Environment, Agriculture , Parks and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Division P . O . Box 8181 (306 Revere Road ) Hillsborough , NC 27278 Phone: 919-245-2750 APPLICANT : l Name : Address : � �t n zdv City : LQ, 0vt C-i y�u14 �0, State : (� �- Zip Code : 21 Z Phone Number ( Day) : Q 1 � . Z 01 • q(� l� ly ( Evening ) : E - Mail : PROPERTY INFORMATION : Property Location/Address (s ) : Agriculture District /Township : Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : q (a 00159 1 � Acres 13 . L72 Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : .1 j H i Z Acres 9 q . 5S 3 Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number. ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : Acres Total Number of Acres on all tracts of land : Does this land have a plan on file with the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service or the NC Forest Service ? Yes . . No : If " No" , please complete last page of form Is the land enrolled in Present Use Value taxation program with Orange County Tax Office? Yes : No : If "No" , please complete last page of form CONSERVATION AGREEMENT DETAIL of VAD and EVAD : Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD ) conservation agreements are for a period of ten years . The landowner may revoke the agreement through a written request to the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board . A Conservation Agreement for land within a Voluntary Agricultural District shall be automatically renewed for an additional term of ten ears unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner(s ) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement. At the end of each ten-year term , the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional ten -year term unless notice of termination is given . Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District ( EVAD ) conservation agreements are for a period of ten years , but cannot be revoked during the term of the agreement. EVAD enrollment , however, offers landowners additional benefits such as a higher percentage of cost-share funds under the Agricultural Cost Share Program . A Conservation Agreement for an Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District shall be deemed automatically renewed for an additional term of three years unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner(s ) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement. At the end of each three-year term the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional three-year term unless notice of termination is given . 1 [We] have read the Conservation Agreement details above and I [we] understand the benefits of the VAD and/or EVAD program . Please mark which designation you are requesting enrollment and sign below. JI [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS A VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT I [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS AN ENHANCED VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT SIGNATURE • - ,h V � . DATE OWNER[S] CERTIFICATION , I [We] , the applicant[s] and landowner(s ) , hereby certify that, to the best of my [our] knowledge , the foregoing application is complete and accurate . (All landowners or a designated representative of the family may sign this application . ) Signature: � � �G�- Dater Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Signature : Date : -o"MITdIMP u Ilk i er Et Memo Is IF Is to 1 `I A i Y • S ; Y , _ 1 • + sooko Is r?� ,z + b lit, to r Lose, Ilk got 22, grf ti toss Ilk F .r . s I' Ilk toll so g� og lot � \ Ilooks 1 ! i 4 i 1 or i + Als . : Imp she z-so fir' rr ' ' ,t � s • .. 1 E. . � 41'. / p . .. Or 10 ors if go do �. F {r (\ �I y ��; ek lot I, P' - O 1 _ - • . ,. it z Ilk .1 r . Twr V :JL ij t y a - • ' - • • • • • 1 1 n Application for Orange County Farmland Preservation Program Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Program INSTRUCTIONS : Before completing the application , please review the VAD/EVAD brochure provided ; Complete the form as completely as possible ; sign and date the form , and return to : Orange County Dept. of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Division P . O . Box 8181 (306 Revere Road ) Hillsborough , NC 27278 Phone : 919-245-2750 APPLICANT : / Name : r � / Address : City : 1G � . /1'G State : 1400�ri Zip Code : Phone Number ( Day) : �i� y -62t� ( Evening ) : &Mail : Q �y vms , Cy w/ PROPERTY INFORMATION : �� /I Dn Property Location/Address (s ) : Gibi Ge�u� Ga Agriculture District /Township : Parcel Identification Number ( PIN) : ? 9'6 <r/ V1 q Z ' Acres a , r ).. Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : l �t� �� Acres ')- E Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : J 7 Acres 6 6 Parcel Identification Number ( PIN ) : 6? /d 3 � Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN) : (FbI' , 73-73,6 Acres Parcel Identification Number ( PIN) : y �++ � � I � K Acres Total Number of Acres on all tracts of land : Does this land have a plan on file with the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service or the NC Forest Service ? Yes : . No : If ° No" , please complete last page of form Is the land enrolled in Present Use Value taxation program with Orange County Tax Office ? Yes : No : If " No " , please complete last page of form Scully, Sherry - FPAC - NRCS, Roxboro, NC From : Scully, Sherry - FPAC- NRCS, Roxboro , NC Sent: Thursday, November 5, 2020 2 :05 PM To : g hug hes@orangecountync, gov Subject: Bohlen Parcels 17 There are yWparcels associated with Greg Bohlen in Orange County . Total acreage is about 509 . 5 ac . Here is the breakdown into 3 segments of the parcels owned by Greg Bohlen , Josh Williams, Bandit Farms LLC, Bandit Farms 11 , and Bohlen Farms . . . Main farm parcels ( Union Grove Farm ) and home of Greg Bohlen are located on Union Grove Church Rd . The parcel numbers of this segment are ( 10 parcels ) : 9860371514 ( 16 . 26 ac Josh Williams ) • 9860377398 ( 22 . 79 ac Josh Williams ) 9860199812 ( 28 . 19 ac — Bandit Farms LLC ) 9860197389 ( 16 , 59 ac Bandit Farms LLC ) Fa tA- 9860387372 ( 14 . 88 ac Bandit Farms LLC ) k$,�D_� 72 / 58C / 92 3gniDrtFAarr�s LL �� - 9860188351 (47 . 51 ac Greg Bohlen ) nP- 9860273536 ( 2 . 08 ac Greg Bohlen )9860189935 ( 10 . 12 ac Greg Bohlen ) 6 Yeq Bt> L I ,e v1 r 9860288305 ( 2 ,01 ac Greg Bohlen ) +r 9860479623 ( 34 . 02 ac Greg Bohlen ) 9$40 14'4'SpZ (S. ` ac, Gncg Ba �+ 4•w) Three Parcels located on Tree Farm Rd include : • 9853403525 ( 23 . 3 ac Bohlen Farms ) f f AA ' 9853601430 ( 25 . 25 ac Bohlen Farms ) > 13tvt e. v%. S 9852597108 ( 125 . 45 ac Bohlen Farms ) Two Parcels are on Dodsons Crossroads : • 9850111712 ( 114 . 22 ac Bandit Farms 11 ) �G(, l,� � ( fiza s �l • 9850201701 ( 20 . 07 ac Bandit Farms II ) 400> I hope this is clear ! Sherry 1 CONSERVATION AGREEMENT DETAIL of VAD and EVAD : Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) conservation agreements are for a period of ten years . The landowner may revoke the agreement through a written request to the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board . A Conservation Agreement for land within a Voluntary Agricultural District shall be automatically renewed for an additional term of ten years unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner(s) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement. At the end of each ten-year term , the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional ten-year term unless notice of termination is given . Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District ( EVAD ) conservation agreements are for a period of ten years , but cannot be revoked during the term of the agreement . EVAD enrollment , however , offers landowners additional benefits such as a higher percentage of cost-share funds under the Agricultural Cost Share Program . A Conservation Agreement for an Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District shall be deemed automatically renewed for an additional term of three years unless either the Agricultural Preservation Board or the landowner(s) gives written notice to the contrary prior to the termination date of the Conservation Agreement. At the end of each three-year term the Conservation Agreement shall automatically renew for an additional three-year term unless notice of termination is given . [We] have read the Conservation Agreement details above and I [we] understand the benefits of the VAD and/or EVAD program . Please mark which designation you are requesting enrollment and sign below. LI [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS A VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT I [WE] ARE SEEKING DESIGNAT S AN ENHANCED VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT j SIGNATURE DATE OWNER[S] CERTIFICATION : I [We] , the applicant[s] and landowner(s) , hereby certify that, to the best of my [our] knowledge , the foregoing application is complete and accurate . (All landowners or a designated representative of the famil sign this application . ) Signature , Dater i Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Signature : Date : Please complete this section for general information about your farm and to help staff Update or develop a conservation plan for the farm . 1 . How long have you owned and your farm ? 1 years 2 . How long have you lived on your farm ? 1� years 3 . How many acres on your farm are under cultivation? S � acres (estimate) 4 . What are the major crops you plant each year? 6 . How many acres on your farm are used for pasture ? acres (estimate) 7 . How many acres on your farm are used for woodland/forestry? �a � acres (estimate) 8 . If your family has owned and operated the farm over 100 years , would you be interested in the Century Farm Program ? This is an Orange County and NC Dept . of Agriculture recognition progra for family farms that have continued to farm for over 100 years . yes `:no Volunteer opportunity : The Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB ) is made up of volunteers , who are interested in the counties' agricultural concerns : protection , preservation , economic sustainability , and the future of farming and agricultural in Orange County . If you are interested in being a potential member of the Agricultural Preservation Board , please indicate and signing below. Yes , please inform me when a p ion n the APB is available . , thank you- not at is ti Signature : For questions or more information , please contact: Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture , Parks and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Division P . O . Box 8181 (306 Revere Road ) Hillsborough , NC 27278 (919) 245-2750 (Office) (919 ) 644-3351 (fax) For more detailed information about the Voluntary Farmland Program : Please refer to the Orange County Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance , which can be found in Chapter 48 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, at the following link : http ://library . municode . com/index . aspx ?clientld= 14983 or staff can provide a copy for you . I Or me r R r l IF Ole 4 pre ,f ,5►. R�L-It Yr1i. 3 • � �': � l 'k� :s� e •i•ts -.►' i ':iAli +�s1 TO �l;�r.��r5, i 'Op te ov f16, It it 14 it pit 7?. 1 0 ?t, . ot It i o ? ! NO f< lery 91, �i o let� 5 ' A' �i i ' \E- s i .: j. r• lip n r 'w PIP �ih• • _ • A - r � • r , r � - � / l eo fk 10 09 Bandit Farms LLC if o � c - l Voluntary Agricultural fIF '7 PIN 9860199812 ( 28 . 19 acres ) PIN 9860387372 ( 14 . 88 j ' I • . . d Aerial • • • Milk • �1J o � 0 11 •. F, ail Or If t : j 410 ONO Odor J ` ry r r 000 - • Bohlen — r / PIN 9860188351 PIN 9860289935 ( 10 . 09 acres ) PIN 9860288305 1 PIN 9860273536 ( 2 . 08 acres ) iPIN • : . 1 Aerial PIN 9860479623 ( 34 . 02 acres ) ' $ - • Bohlen ( 97 . 63 acres) DEAPR Land R . • . 0 • OC220K < 0 : \gishome\gisprojects\ • • • • O I • ' 0 ��.�y�/p J D . if III r ee 4&1 t ° I NI �; _ e : I 'Xi INNI No . . • I Bohlen \ i Voluntary , Agricultural District PIN • \ � i ( 20 . 00 acres ) PIN • i PIN 9852597108 Aerial Map O F . $ 1 inchi _ ' i • Lan • Records, •• iv. 11 1 • 1 • 1 • • • - • is • • - • • • • 'J a / E o i ca�c� Go I ! I 1 AF TO o kBohlen Farms 11 DistrictVoluntary Agricultural PIN i 1 PIN 9850201701 - . 07 acres ) Aerial Map T 1 A k tit ,.. � , a y Al M Y �s % 11 • 1K • DRAFT update for 11-18-20 Attachment 3 NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Agricultural Preservation Board Report Period: 2020 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners welcomes input from various advisory boards and commissions in preparation for its annual planning retreat. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Board/Commission Name: Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) Person to address the BOCC at work session- if applicable- and contact information: Cecilia Redding, Chair: (919) 522-2285 or cecilia .d2efarms.com Portia McKnight, Vice Chair: (919)-360-4213 or portia .chapelhillcreamery.com Primary County Staff Contact: Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR staff support How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? Once every other month, on the third Wednesdays of January, March, May, July, September and November. Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. The Board's mission statement, adopted in 2005, is "to encourage the voluntary preservation of farmland from non-farm development, recognizing the importance of agriculture to the economic and cultural life of the county." The APB serves as the County government advisory board for agricultural issues and administers the Voluntary Farmland Protection Program Ordinance (Chapter 48, Orange County Code of Ordinances) as per NCGS 106-735 through 744. The Board receives and makes recommendations on proposed Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts. The Board is responsible for preparing and updating (in conjunction with other agricultural agencies) the Countywide Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan, and the implementation of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan, Natural and Cultural Systems Element (Agricultural section). The Board also advises the Board of Commissioners on agricultural and farmland preservation, agricultural issues including sustainable agriculture, emerging trends in agriculture, and other ventures, initiatives and projects. 2 What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? • In 2020 reviewed and recommended approval for 13 additional farms as Voluntary Agricultural District and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District farms, adding [VERIFY UPDATED #] acres to these programs. This increased the total enrollment in both programs to 17,028 acres on 134 farms throughout the County (14,433 in VAD and 2595 in EVAD). These new farms resulted in increased acreage in all of the seven Agricultural Districts • Hosted the fourth annual breakfast nrenram/infermatienal workshop fer existing and nrecneGtive VAD/EVAD farm owners to eenGOUrragee new nnrtininnnts and aRSWer Gl iectienc•e nearly 85 attended at the Cnhle!' Grange Ha-1 • Starting in 2016, the APB fills a dedicated seat on the board of the Orange County Food Council, in recognition of the close ties between the two programs • Promoted participation in the Century Farm Program by assisting farm owners with the enrollment process • Assisted Economic Development in reviewing and evaluating new applications for the Ag Economic Development Grant Program; two members of the APB serve on the grant review committee • Continued installing new road signs to identify farms enrolled in the Voluntary Agricultural District programs, as well as to recognize participating farmers and increase program visibility • Continue to revise and update the County's Voluntary Farmland Protection Program Ordinance to conform to changes to NC General Statutes, including removal of the present-use tax value requirement. • Partnered with Animal Services to develop language to better define nuisance livestock for the proposed Unified Ordinance List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. • Reviews and approves applications from farmers seeking to participate in the VAD/EVAD program, every other month. • Hosts an annual breakfast for VAD landowners to recognize their efforts to preserve agriculture and to provide them with current educational information through presentations and programs. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. • The APB promotes, reviews and recommends new Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts that help protect farmland (Comp Plan, Natural and Cultural Systems Goal 2). • The Board oversaw the creation of a long-term plan for agricultural development and farmland protection, and is working to implement the 2 3 provisions of that plan. (Goal 2, Goal 5). • The APB stays abreast of emerging trends in agriculture, and advises the Board of Commissioners of new issues or concerns (Goal 5) • The APB makes recommendations on goals and objectives for the triennial Lands Legacy Action Plan (Goal 8). If your board/commission played the role of an Element Lead Advisory Board involved in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan preparation process, please indicate your board's activities/accomplishments as they may relate to the Comprehensive Plan's goals or objectives. • The APB promotes, reviews, and recommends Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts (Goal 2 Objective AG-1, Goal 8 Objective AG-9). • The APB promotes efforts to increase purchase and consumption of local foods through its support and membership on the Food Council (Goal 2, Objective AG-3; Goal 3, Objective AG-7). • The APB provided input to Planning for the Agricultural Support Enterprises program, to help promote agricultural economic development and agricultural entrepreneurialism (Goal 2, Objective AG-1). Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2021 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). • Support the re-filling of the now-frozen Resource Conservation Coordinator position that has remained unfilled since January, 2020, in order to secure the needed staff support to continue the successful growth of the VAD program as well as critical programs of the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District. • Encourage the BOCC to consult with the APB in matters relating to agriculture, in keeping with the APB's Charge which directs the board to advise the BOCC on agricultural issues. • Continue to promote and recommend Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts • Support continuation of the successful Farm-to-Table Event for approximately 300 students in local 4t" grades, held annually at Blackwood Farm Park • Educate landowners about the elimination of the present-use tax value requirement for VAD/EVAD participation • Purchase and install additional road signs to better identify farms in the Voluntary Agricultural District Program (existing and new farms) • Enroll additional farm owners in the Century Farm Program through assistance with applications and deed research. 3 4 What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? • The APB supports the concept of establishing a permanent Orange County Agricultural Trust Fund, in collaboration with the Orange County Food Council. Such a trust fund could provide a dedicated source of revenue to better support the County's existing successful land protection programs — the Lands Legacy Program that funds conservation easements, and the Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program that provides small cash grants to support and expand existing farming operations. • Dairy farming continues to disappear in Orange County, after being a major source of farm income and prosperity since the 1920s. There are now 3 active dairies in Orange County, representing a precipitous drop from a high of 117 active Grade A farms in 1954. Commodity milk prices are too low to support our local dairies through conventional production strategies. The APB believes it can play an important role by initiating a feasibility study to explore ways to create a local market for our Orange County dairy products, with goals of encouraging new small scale dairy farms and keeping our existing ones active. Dairy farming once represented a significant percentage of the County's active open farmland. • Agritourism continues to be an important way for farm owners to maintain their farms and diversify. The APB will explore ways to increase opportunities for educating existing and prospective farmers about the many new agritourism opportunities now available for enhancing farm income and bringing visitors into rural areas. • The average age of our farmers continues to increase, causing concerns about retirement and farm succession planning. This is an ongoing issue despite the rising numbers of young people taking up farming. Our "senior" farmers control and farm a large percentage of the County's prime open farmland, thus creating the potential for a significant decline in active farm acreage over the next decade. • The majority of the new farm operations now being started in Orange County are small market crop farms, where crops are grown intensively on smaller parcels, to be sold locally at markets. The APB supports efforts by Orange County Economic Development to promote and build facilities to provide essential processing facilities and cooperative marketing opportunities to support these small farming operations. 4