AG 2010 10 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Cabarrus also lost 9% of its farmland between 2002 and 2007, with farmland totaling 66,780 of the County's 231,524 acres in 2007. Population rising rapidly- Saving farms and farmland is a key issue for the County. The N.C. Office of State Budget and Management reported that Cabarrus was the 7 fastest growing county in the state between 2000 -2009, with 33.2% growth documented. By 2030, the population is expected to increase by 59% —from 174,255 to 277,732 — making it harder for farmers to afford and access productive land. Land is limiting resources- According to the U.S. Census, the County has a land area of 364.4 square miles. Primary water resources include Lake Howell, Lake Concord, and Black Run Reservoir. Cabarrus is fortunate to have soils that are well- suited to farming - -the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Web Soil Survey reveals that prime farmland soils cover 56.9% of the county —but the County is 72% urban and 28% rural. Land suitable for farming is a limited resource. Agriculture is a priority- Cabarrus recognizes the value of this agricultural land and is committed to protecting it. The 2006 Countywide Farmland Protection Plan for Cabarrus County, North Carolina includes a Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program, and the County allows for Enhanced Voluntary Agriculture Districts (EVAD). Cooperative Extension Director Extension Director Bost reports that since 2006, approximately 11,000 acres of Cabarrus farmland have been protected, with 60% of that land protected through the VAD program, and 40% through EVAD program. The County also has made agriculture a planning priority, using zoning ordinances and long -range planning to guide land -use decisions and protect natural resources, including farms and farmland. Issues to be addressed To build its local food system, Cabarrus needs to keep land in farms. The County's farmland preservation policies have proven to be successful in addressing growth pressures. Yet in order to guarantee agricultural production, Cabarrus will also need to invest in efforts to keep farms financially viable. Water conservation also needs to be addressed as the County plans for farmers' long -term success. These issues raise question such as: What businesses exist that support Cabarrus farmers in their efforts to access local markets? What infrastructure needs are not being addressed? What opportunities exist for new businesses to meet them? What water conservation resources are available? How do we take advantage of them? 5 Dennis Testerman, a resource conservation specialist with Cabarrus Soil & Water Conservation District, identified water as a limited resource, and Extension Director Bost identified water conservation as an issue to explore. 12 Attachment number 2 G -4 Page 521