Laserfiche WebLink
between a healthy local agricultural economy and the life -style many have sought <br />to achieve by locating to our county. These efforts could include: <br />a. Creation of a website and other print publications to identify locally grown <br />products. This website can also be used by farmers to identify <br />purchasing opportunities and the business development assistance outlined <br />above; Cabarrus County CES website <br />b. Work with the organizers of the local farmers markets (if applicable) and <br />assist with their marketing effort where possible; <br />c. Work with local retail stores and restaurants to purchase and promote <br />products grown locally in the county; <br />d. Work with local institutions such as schools and state offices to purchase <br />food grown locally; <br />e. Expand cooperative efforts with neighboring counties to create a regional <br />identity that includes promotion of agriculture; and <br />f. Sponsorship of festivals, farm tours and other public recognition <br />Improve the Marketing Capacity of Farmers: Traditionally, farmers have relied <br />on off -farm distributors to handle marketing and price negotiation for their <br />products. Increasingly, farmers will recognize the value of direct marketing their <br />products to county residents as they diversity and specialize their production. In <br />addition to the steps outlined above, this item could include <br />a. Formation of new generation farm cooperatives for marketing purposes, <br />financing of new ventures and purchasing of raw materials, such as fuel <br />and electricity, or formation of less formal bargaining groups to jointly <br />purchase farm supplies, cooperatively advertise farm products, provide <br />better outlets for cull -dairy cows and facilitate use of custom service . 37 <br />b. Develop marketing workshops with input from farmers from other <br />counties who have successfully diversified and direct - marketed their <br />production. <br />B. Support Farm Operations and the Right -to -Farm <br />1. Encourage the County and Towns to Meet the Infrastructure Needs of the Farm <br />Sector <br />a. Adopt Sensible Zoning and Subdivision regulations. Zoning regulations must <br />be written to allow farm businesses the flexibility to adapt their operations to <br />new markets or otherwise expand existing operations. For example, some <br />zoning laws may restrict "farm stands," road -side on -farm retail <br />establishments. Careful consideration should be taken in drafting restrictions <br />on farm stands to allow farmers to better market their on -farm products . <br />b. Streamline Building Permit process for farmers. Undue regulations or delays <br />in obtaining a building permit can cause unnecessary hardships for farmers <br />dependent on the seasonal growing cycle. Sometimes buildings or <br />greenhouses have to be built quickly to allow a farmer to fully perform on <br />contract. Also, delays in permitting can push the timing of a necessary <br />improvement into the seasons where farmers are most busy. <br />14 <br />Attachment number 1 <br />G -1 Page 211 <br />