Item:
Title
Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC065 Cooperative Extension to Recognize $475,000 in Golden LEAF Foundation funding for Durham County Farm Campus and Creation of One New Farm Manager FTE Position
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: March 9, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC065 Cooperative Extension to Recognize $475,000 in Golden LEAF Foundation funding for Durham County Farm Campus and Creation of One New Farm Manager FTE Position
Durham County Cooperative Extension has been awarded a $475,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation through its Community-Based Grants Initiative to support Phase 1 of the Durham County Farm Campus project. The Farm Campus will serve as a centralized agricultural hub designed to strengthen a resilient local food system by addressing the root causes of food insecurity while fostering entrepreneurship and workforce development. It will provide training, infrastructure, and business support for farmers at all stages, filling a critical gap in agricultural education and resources across Durham County.
The Farm Campus project has been in development for over a decade. In 2016, the Durham County Farmland Protection Board formed the first working group, and in 2022, the County secured USDA funding for a Feasibility Study managed by Cooperative Extension. This study included site analysis, community engagement, design planning, and implementation guidance. Its findings informed Durham County’s 2024 purchase of 129 acres on Orange Factory Road for the Farm Campus and other community uses. The study concluded in June 2025 with strong recommendations for launching the project and a 10-year roadmap to implement the campus in three phases.
Golden LEAF funding will support a three-year effort (Feb. 5, 2026 - Feb. 4, 2029) to build foundational infrastructure and launch programming focused on project sustainability and community engagement. Funds will cover personnel, construction, equipment, and supplies. A critical early step is hiring a full-time (1.0 FTE) Farm Manager. Golden Leaf is providing $150,000 to the salary and benefits with the remaining $65,350 to be provided by Durham Conty in year 3 of the grant term. This position, identified as an essential initial step in the feasibility study and strongly supported by community input, will oversee site development, coordinate programming, and lead engagement efforts in collaboration with Extension staff and contractors. Additional county funding will be needed longer term to sustain the position beyond the grant term.
The Golden LEAF Foundation funding award is a significant opportunity to launch the Farm Campus project and turn years of planning into action. The initiative already has strong internal and external support. Durham County Open Space has begun the capital improvement process for the site, creating opportunities for collaboration as development moves forward. In addition, local universities, nonprofits, and community members engaged during the feasibility process have expressed interest in participating in early project activities. These partnerships will help maximize the impact and reach of foundational Farm Campus efforts throughout the grant period.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The grant funding for Farm Campus aligns with the strategic focus areas of Regional Leadership, Healthy & Inclusive Community, Empowered Community, and Financial Stewardship.
Resource Persons: Donna Rewalt, County Extension Director; Raina Goldstein Bunnag, County Food Security Coordinator; Ashley Troth, Horticulture Extension Agent
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the board approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC065 Cooperative Extension to Recognize $475,000 in Golden LEAF Foundation funding for Durham County Farm Campus and Creation of One New Farm Manager FTE Position
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________