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Mission Statement
To conserve, enhance and promote the natural resources of Durham County by providing technical assistance,
environmental education information and economic incentives to County citizens and by exhibiting a diversified
program to meet its changing needs. |
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Durham Soil and Water
Conservation District
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Important Notice:
DURHAM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION PLAN - Public Draft
In the fall of 2008, the Durham Soil and Water Conservation Department was awarded a grant on behalf of Durham County by the NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF). The County is seeking to promote its agricultural resources and protect its farmland in the face of dramatic changes in the agricultural economy and increasing growth pressure from residential development in the Piedmont region.
New opportunities are emerging for Durham County farms to sell food and services in the local marketplace, yet agricultural operations require a stable land base to innovate and make new investments. As farmers face increasing development and regulatory pressures, while being offered high prices for long-held family land, the agricultural land base and future of the working lands sector in the county are at a crossroads.
The overall goal of the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Plan (ADFPP) is to create a profitable and sustainable agricultural sector in Durham County that can assure a healthy farm landscape and access to fresh, local foods for the next generation. The Durham County ADFPP will be an asset to the County in assessing the current state of farming in Durham County, coordinate the future activities, agencies and funding for agriculture and farmland preservation, and recognize the existing challenges and opportunities to family-owned farms and the local agricultural economy. Once completed, the Plan will be presented to the Durham County Board of County Commissioners for approval and adoption as a working plan for Durham County.
Things we will gain from the plan;
· Current Inventory of Agricultural Resources in Durham County
· Farmer/landowner and Community leader’s opinions and thoughts on agriculture in Durham County
· Assessment of Agriculture-Related Goals in Comprehensive Land Use Plan
· Identification of Land Use Impediments and challenges to agriculture in Durham County
· List of Agricultural Economic Development Opportunities and toolbox of plans/programs to best utilize those opportunities
Please take the time to read the plan and submit your comments or questions on its contents. Your comments will be carefully reviewed and considered before final adoption of the plan.
Please send all comments and questions to the Plan consultant, Gerry Cohn at gcohn@nc.rr.com by October 30, 2009.
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