HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-15-2021; 8-q - Resolution Supporting a United States Department of Agriculture - Regional Food Systems Partnership Planning Grant Application by Triangle J Council of Governments 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 15, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-q
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting a United States Department of Agriculture - Regional
Food Systems Partnership Planning Grant Application by Triangle J Council of
Governments
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Commissioner Sally Green, 919-245-
Resolution 2130
Mike Ortosky, 919-270-6528
PURPOSE: To approve a resolution supporting a United States Department of Agriculture -
Regional Food Systems Planning grant, applied for by the Triangle J Council of Governments.
BACKGROUND: Interest in, and demand for, more local food sources has increased in recent
years as the desire for fresh, healthy food for all, thriving local farms and food businesses, and a
resilient food system continues to grow. The recent COVID pandemic illuminated challenges in
the industrial food system regarding supply chain interruption, economic resilience, agriculture
and food systems worker health and safety, and equitable access to food. This increased
awareness and concern for resilience in the food system creates opportunity for economic and
community development in all areas of the regional food system.
While many separate efforts exist to address various individual aspects of these challenges, there
is need for a more comprehensive dialogue in the region among food system practitioners and
consumers in order to inform policy, funding, advocacy and support, and entrepreneurship.
Many food system issues are inherently regional in nature and require inclusive dialogue,
innovation, and planning. One opportunity to advance growth and positive relationships in this
area is through a regional partnership of practitioners and consumers. Triangle J Council of
Governments is leading an effort to apply for a United States Department of Agriculture — Ag
Marketing Service - Regional Food System Partnership Grant in support of economic and
community development in the region.
A resolution supporting this planning grant application and the overall values it represents is
attached for Board consideration.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no immediate financial impact for Orange County. Long-term
positive economic impacts may result to the extent that Orange County farms and food
businesses are able to grow in response to potentially expanded regional markets.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
There is an opportunity for potential increase in economic self-sufficiency with Triangle J's receipt
of the planning grant.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the Resolution.
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RES-2021-046
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE - REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS PARTNERSHIP GRANT
APPLICATION BY TRIANGLE J COUNCIL OF GOVERMENTS
WHEREAS, exacerbated by COVID, the fragmented realities of the Triangle region's
complex food system have solidified the need to cultivate a new narrative between
regional consumers and a regional food system community of practice; and
WHEREAS, the Triangle, as one of the nation's fastest growing regions, needs a
collaborative, regional approach to growing a more consistent, resilient, and equitable
food system; and
WHEREAS, through such practices as storytelling, capacity building, and creating a
shared framework for long-term planning, representation of marginalized populations
within the food system can be amplified and strengthened; and
WHEREAS, to address all of these issues, the Triangle J Council of Governments is
leading the creation of a grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop
a proactive and collaborative planning process for creating a regional framework for food
systems thinking in the region; and
WHEREAS, Orange County representatives are part of the support team contributing to
the grant proposal; and
WHEREAS, the proposal will outline a structure and process for creating regional
partnerships designed to coordinate the diverse entities working on various aspects of
regional food system work, proposing to involve entities not currently working on such
efforts but that should be doing so; and
WHEREAS, a regional strategic plan will be proposed to focus on standardizing and
prioritizing goals and action plans, strengthening opportunities to augment regional
partnerships, leverage funding sources, reduce duplication, and offer economies of scale;
and
WHEREAS, the strategic plan will promote equity and inclusivity, implementing strategies
to effectively address racial, income, and geographic disparities associated with food and
food systems planning in the region; and
WHEREAS, the participation of Orange County and other local governments will help
address equity as it relates to the intersections between food system planning and
economic development, housing, transportation, natural resources, and clean energy;
and
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WHEREAS, various storytelling, listening sessions, analysis, and education aspects of
the proposal promise to highlight the powerful witness of food system practitioners
(farmers and food entrepreneurs), consumers, and underserved communities through
reports, presentations, infographics, various media, and retreats/educational forums; and
WHEREAS, with the growth of the Triangle region, planning for the effectiveness of the
region's food system as an economic driver will be imperative not only for the local and
regional economy, but also to support more resilient communities in the event of natural
and economic shocks; and
WHEREAS, through careful tracking of outcomes and measurables and the creation of
other historical data, the work done under this grant will offer a model for the regions
throughout the country who may similarly need a regional partnership of food business
practitioners with government and institutional partners;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of
Orange County, North Carolina voices its support for the Triangle J Council of
Government's proposal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and looks forward to a
successful outcome.
This the 15th day of June, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Attest:
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners