Item:
Title
2018 Farmland Protection Advisory Board Update - 45 min
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: March 8, 2018
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to receive the 2018 update from the Farmland Protection Advisory Board. Over the past few years Durham County agriculture has been in a transformation to a diversified small farming sector focusing on local marketing opportunities. The county is making efforts with these local producers on creating more marketing avenues through such programs as institutional purchasing. This report will give an update on the inaugural Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program (small farmer grant) funded during last year’s budget cycle and how county funds targeted to institutional purchasing has played a role thus far. Additionally, this update will touch on cost of community services, marketing, land conservation programs, Ag tours, grants received, trainings and school programs. Finally, the update will cover the Farmland Board’s top three retreat goals for the upcoming year and future priorities.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This program aligns with Goal 2 Health and Well-being for All, Goal 4 Environmental Stewardship and Community Prosperity and Goal 5 Accountable Efficient and Visionary Government.
Resource Persons: Neil Frank, Farmland Board Chair, Kathryn Spann, Farmland Board Vice- Chair, Eddie Culberson, Director Durham Soil and Water Conservation, Mike Dupree, Ag Development and Environmental Services Manager
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board receive the 2018 update from the Farmland Protection Advisory Board.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________