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Agriculture Advisory Board Meeting Organizational Meeting February 14,2006 Cooperative Extension Office, Concord Members present: Louis Suther, Vicky Porter, Randy Fisher, Jerry Pless, Marvin Bost Also in Attendance: Tommy Porter, Ex-Officio from Planning and Zoning Comission; Carl Pless, Extension Agriculture Agent, Advisor; and Debbie Bost, County Extension Director, Advisor Guests present: Turner Morrison, Farm Service Agency; Matt Kinane, Natural Resource Conservation Service; Jonathan Marshall, Commerce Director; and Mike Downs, Deputy County Manager Absent: Ned Hudson, and Larry Taylor Called to order at 4:08pm by Cabarrus County Commerce Director Jonathan Marshall. He provided an overview that included rules of procedure and by-laws for the Board. A copy of these proposed by-laws is attached for consideration and review. The Board advised Jonathan that they would prefer staff to conduct this meeting until the rules and procedures are in place. The Board should consider a change in ordinance to physical year and not fiscal year. Reviewed copy of proposed procedures and identified possible changes and options. Questions were asked about the development of a draft of a county farmland protection plan: What could be involved and how should the group go about putting this together? The group discussed the need to assess the transition from older agricultural producers to younger producers to keep farming a viable economic option especially when land values keep escalating. The group also discussed the purchase of development rights and the need for the General Assembly to re-write legislation to change the "sending zone." The group wants to change public perception about the value of agriculture and agribusiness. We need to create a link to the new Research Campus and with Johnson and Wales to direct market fresh products to businesses and restaurants. The group also discussed the importance of economic development. Jonathan Marshall and Mike Downs advised the Board that they had the right and obligation to offer advice to the County Commissioners on any issue as it relates to agriculture. Randy Fisher asked about communication with municipalities and Jonathan indicated that the City of Concord was already asking some questions and their interest was positive. The Agriculture Board could make recommendations, give, advice and offer feedback to the municipalities. It was then discussed who specifically to talk with in each of the municipalities. The staff then discussed mapping all the parcels indicated through the application process and it was decided that Colleen Nelson with Planning would put I-I