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Establishing a new Agricultural Economic Development position for the county will <br />be necessary for carrying forward the economic initiatives necessary for farm <br />viability. Only a full -time position will be able to dedicate the effort required to <br />coordinating the efforts of the various participants (program staff in county economic, <br />labor, tourism, planning, agricultural, and conservation departments and other <br />interested non - profit staff) to implementing this plan, as well as prioritizing, <br />developing and implementing the various initiatives called for in this plan. Duties of <br />such a position should include: <br />a. Determining priorities, developing strategies, and achieving benchmarks <br />for economic development efforts <br />b. Identifying and seeking additional funds for economic and business <br />development for county initiatives and individual producers through grant <br />writing <br />c. Communicating and meeting on a regular basis with stakeholders in <br />agricultural economic development process <br />d. Developing marketing initiatives for local agriculture <br />2. Expand Business Development Assistance to Farm Businesses. To meet the <br />challenges outlined above, farmers need more access to business development <br />assistance, particularly as traditional agricultural markets fade and alternative <br />enterprises are needed. This assistance includes business development and <br />planning, market research and communication, and financing opportunity. Efforts <br />to increase assistance include: <br />a. Establishing a business development program specifically targeted at <br />agricultural businesses, consisting of a network of business consultants, <br />small business development counselors, and attorneys familiar with small <br />business and agricultural law who are willing at a lower cost or volunteer <br />basis (depending on how program is set up) to provide assistance. <br />b. Working with North Carolina Cooperative Extension to disseminate <br />published materials on agricultural business issues to area professionals to <br />expand their knowledge of agriculture thus increasing their ability to assist <br />farmers. <br />c. Offer workshops to farmers on business planning and development, <br />research, marketing, financing, conservation funding, and estate planning. <br />d. Provide grant- writing assistance for federal, state and other non - profit <br />funding opportunities to assist with diversification, etc. <br />e. Develop a local directory of the network described in (a) above. <br />3. Improve Access to Financing and Capital. Such efforts could include: <br />a. Provide assistance in obtaining grants and low interest loans for business <br />start-up, expansion, retention and diversification. <br />b. Have the county Economic Development agency take the lead role in <br />providing financing and other support for the local agricultural industry. <br />4. Expand Efforts to Promote Cabarrus County Farm Businesses and Farm <br />Products. The development pressures on agriculture outlined in Article IV above <br />also provide opportunities for county farmers and agribusinesses in the form of <br />new consumers. Every effort should be made to educate them on the association <br />13 <br />Attachment number 1 <br />G -1 Page 210 <br />