HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-19-2008- 4jjORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 19, 2008
Action Age a
Item No. 9°
SUBJECT: Ratification of Grant Submittal to Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for the Farm
Enterprise Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research
Center
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development & PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Cooperative Extension
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brad Broadwell, 245-2325
Noah Ranells, 245-2330
Fletcher Barber, Jr., 245-2050
PURPOSE: To ratify the August 15, 2008 submission of a grant proposal to Z. Smith Reynolds
Foundation for the 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, County funding of $10,000 in FY 2007-08, the PLANT @ Breeze Farm
Enterprise Incubator was initiated. An additional $10,000 has been allocated for FY2008-09,
with plans to leverage these funds to obtain additional grant funds.
Through a strong effective interdepartmental collaboration, Cooperative Extension and
Economic Development developed and implemented a series of 8 Wednesday evening
workshops in January and February of 2008. With strong support from the local community,
attendance was 45 to 50 aspiring farmers for 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. Seven farm enterprises participated in 2008.
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.
Therefore, staff has submitted a grant proposal to the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation for
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approximately $125,000. The application deadline was August 15, 2008. Funds from this grant
may be used to provide for a mentor farmer, operating funds, and enhanced outreach to Latino
and other underrepresented groups. 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 part of the concept plan for the WC Breeze
Family Farm Extension and Research Center. It was agreed to 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 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 do 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 that the Board ratify the August 15,
2008 submission of a grant proposal to Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for the Farm Enterprise
Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center.