HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-13-1999 - 6ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 13, 1999
Action Agenda
Item No. ~
SUBJECT: Second Annual Agricultural Summit
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
None
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Commissioner Barry Jacobs, 732-4941
Dr. Fletcher Barber, 245-2051
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To conduct the second Annual Agricultural Summit.
BACKGROUND: The first Orange County Agricultural Summit was conducted on Thursday,
February 25, 1999, at the Schley Grange Hall in Northern Orange County. As agriculture is a
key component of Orange County's economy and character, the meeting helped to heighten
awareness of agriculture in the County and to disseminate information about related aspects of
County government and alternative agricultural income sources. More than 100 participants
were involved in this first summit.
A planning committee met throughout 1999 in preparation for the second Agricultural Summit.
Members include representatives of the agriculture community, service agencies, chambers of
commerce, interested citizens, and a member of the Board of County Commissioners.
The proposed Agricultural Summit would be held on Thursday, January 20, 2000, from 10:00
a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The Schley Grange Hall at the intersection of Schley Road and N.C.
Highway 57 in Northern Orange County would once again be the host site.
Planned areas of discussion at the Agricultural Summit:
^ Our state legislators will outline their involvement in legislative initiatives and issues
pertaining to farmers in North Carolina and Orange County_ Time would then be set aside
for them to participate in smaller breakout sessions.
^ Dave Stancil, Director of Environment and Resource Conservation, will explain the Lands
Legacy program and methods for acquiring or otherwise protecting the County's most
significant land resources, including natural areas, riparian buffers, farmland, and significant
cultural features.
^ The County's Loan Pool Program will be explained by Dianne Reid, County Economic
Development Director.
^ Developing market strategies for locally grown agricultural products, with an emphasis on
creating a local agricultural economy.
^ Diversification stories from County farmers, tentatively including Ken Dawson, who grows
organic food and flowers.
^ An .update on the prospective Tobacco Settlement Program.
As last year, information booths will be set up by various commodity and growers associations,
resource and public interest agencies, and agribusiness companies.
Lunch will be served.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Staff estimates cost to be $1,600.
2
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board support conducting the
second Annual Orange County Agricultural Summit.