AG 2006 12 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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organizations, should make farmers aware of the various conservation funds available for easement purchases, the tax benefits of donated easements, and basic principles of estate planning with conservation options, 5. Educate the non-farming public on the environmental protection benefits of farmland protection and the detriments of its conversion. Develop a public education campaign to tie consumer support of local agriculture with open-space, clean water and air benefits, and enhanced wildlife habitat working farm and forestland provides, Include input from the local Soil & Water Conservation District, Resource Conservation and Development district, and area land trust on specific farm-related conservation projects they have worked on. Tie the education campaign to specific initiatives under this plan to build public political support for protection tools such as funding for aPACE program, D. Foster Greater Recognition and Public Support for Agriculture 1. Foster Greater Appreciationfor Agriculture Among Government Officials and Non-farm Residents through Education and Outreach Efforts a, Continuing education of county and municipal officials and planning board members on farming issues and basics of agricultural law, as well as "smart growth" education on planning options that concentrate growth near existing centers and infrastructure, County officials should place a regular briefing by members of the Agricultural Advisory Board (or similar body) and/or the AED specialist on their meeting agendas. b. Continuing efforts to keep members of the agricultural community involved in local government and planning, c, Plan a Cost of Community Services (COCS) study to demonstrate the public fiscal advantages of land use planning for agricultural viability, In numerous COCS studies around the country, including two conducted by North Carolina State University for Chatham County (1998) and Wake County (2001), farmland has been shown to require significantly less in public service (fire protection, water and sewer, police, schools, etc) expenditures that it contributes in tax revenue, even at the lower differential assessment rate afforded under the present use value system. The results of this study should be publicized to further generate protection of the agricultural economy as sound county fiscal policy. d, The AED should cultivate local and state media coverage of the benefits of agriculture to the well-being of the county, and should regularly communicate with media about achievements reached under this plan, 2, Improve Communication and Networking within the Farm Community. The county Agricultural Advisory Board should continue to represent the farming community in matters before the county government and should foster communication among farmers and agribusinesses to help foster a sense of community in the agricultural sector. Actions could include: a, Hold a farmer symposium and/or appreciation dinner at which farmers have the opportunity to network with farmers from other commodity sectors and different areas of the county, 15 \A.~ '3