AG19841001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CABARRUS COUNTY FARMERS MARKET, INC. P. O. BOX 387 CONCORD, NC 28026-0387 September 25, 1984 JUSTIFICATION' FOR 'A' PERMANENT ~ FARMERS' MARKET 1. The Cabarrus County Farmers Market, Inc. has been reorganized, formed a non-profit corporation, and operated on the Fairgrounds Parking Lot for two seasons and under the county shade trees for part of 1984 season. The number of sellers in 1984 has been 79 and this is more than doubled from 1983. The number of registered potential buyers in 1984 is over 500. 2. A survey was conducted in January and indicates a significant interest in a permanent marketing facility for Cabarrus County. (Copy of suma~ary and the report is attached.) 3. The location of this property requested is near the center of Cabarrus County and would be convenient for producers and buyers throughout the county. It is also located near the Agriculture Center where promotional programs and other activities would be convenientlyconducted. 4. The Board of Directors feels this would be compatible with the County Fair operation. Since ~any of the Farmers Market participants are also participants and workers and promoters of the County Fair, it is felt that this would help to enhance the County Fair operation and make furthe~ use of this property, 5. There is a need for development and growth of the fruit and vegetable industry in Cabarrus County. a.Present grain-type farming has experienced several years drought and made it unprofitable for expanded agricultural activities. b.Cabarrus County terrain (rolling hills) is well adapted for storing up water supplies and growing fruits and vegetables. c. Cabarrus County has a large and growing number of potential buyers that need opportunities for dealing directly with farmers in purchasing food supplies. d. Cabarrus County is one of the largest in'number of beekeepers (bees aid in pollination of fruits and vegetables which is an asset in growing fruits and vegetables and offers a supply of honey for sale). 6.The new horticultural agentposition will concentrate in production of fruits and vegetables in Caba~rus'Coudty. 7.The Cabarrus County Farmers Market'now operates approximately~three months but with a permanent marketing facility and the new horticultural agent: a. We expect marketing time in months to increase as market grows. b. Emphasis will be placed on earlier prdductionof fruits and. vegetables, ,.~i~ ~. pest management,.ifall prdduct.ion,'honey.prdduction, amd~aales, cooked ()