Agenda Packet June 6 2016PERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING AGENDA
304 South Morgan Street, Room 215
Roxboro, NC 27573-5245
336-597-1720
Fax 336-599-1609
June 6, 2016
7:00pm
CALL TO ORDER…………………………………………………... Chairman Newell
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RECOGNITION:
ITEM #1
Resolution of Appreciation …………………………………………. Chairman Newell
County Retiree, Judith Shepard
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING:
ITEM #2
Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Recommended Budget …………………….. Chairman Newell
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INFORMAL COMMENTS
The Person County Board of Commissioners established a 10 minute segment
which is open for informal comments and/or questions from citizens of this
county on issues, other than those issues for which a public hearing has been
scheduled. The time will be divided equally among those wishing to comment.
It is requested that any person who wishes to address the Board, register with
the Clerk to the Board prior to the meeting.
ITEM #3
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes of May 16, 2016
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
ITEM #4
Decision on roadway name for R-2241A ………………………………. Sallie Vaughn
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM #5
Home & Community Care Block Grant Funding 2016-2017 ……… Maynell Harper
ITEM #6
Lease between Piedmont Community College and
Person County Government for the Workforce
Development Center Space …….................................................................... Heidi York
ITEM #7
Farmland Preservation Plan …………………………………………… Paul Westfall
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
MANAGER’S REPORT
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Note: All Items on the Agenda are for Discussion and Action as deemed appropriate
by the Board.
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RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, Judith Shepard has served the people of Person County in
many capacities during her tenure working as a Deputy
Register of Deeds; and
WHEREAS, Judith Shepard has served the citizens of Person County
with honor, integrity, sincerity and dedication, providing
accurate, concise services for nine years, July, 2007 – May,
2016; and
WHEREAS, Judith Shepard has earned the respect and admiration of
all who have known her and worked with her throughout
her career; and
WHEREAS, the County of Person recognizes the many contributions
Judith Shepard has made to the County and offers her
sincere best wishes for her retirement.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Newell, Sr., Chairman of the Person County
Board of Commissioners, do hereby extend this Resolution of Appreciation
to Judith Shepard for continually striving to make Roxboro and Person
County a better place to live and work.
Adopted this the 6th day of June, 2016.
____________________________________
David Newell, Sr., Chairman
Person County Board of Commissioners
Attest:
____________________________________
Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
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NOTICE OF BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Official notice is hereby given that the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Budget for Person County
has been presented to the Board of Commissioners by the County Manager, and is
available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners in
Room 212 of the Person County Office Building, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday, at the Public Library during operating hours, and on Person County’s
website, www.personcounty.net.
In accordance with N. C. General Statute 159-12(b), the Person County Board of
Commissioners will conduct a Budget Public Hearing on Monday, June 6, 2016, at 7:00
p.m. The Budget Public Hearing will be held in the Board of Commissioners’ usual
meeting room 215 in the Person County Office Building, 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro,
NC and citizens will have an opportunity to make informal comments concerning the
proposed budget.
Brenda B. Reaves, NCCCC, CMC
Clerk to the Board
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May 16, 2016
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MAY 16, 2016
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
David Newell, Sr. Heidi York, County Manager
Tracey L. Kendrick C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
Jimmy B. Clayton Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear
B. Ray Jeffers
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 9:00am in the Commissioners’ meeting room
in the Person County Office Building.
Chairman Newell called the meeting to order. Commissioner Clayton gave an
invocation and Captain Kevin Crabtree led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman Newell announced the following two requests to be added to the agenda:
1) Person County Sheriff’s Office Application for Bullet Proof Vests Grant to
follow the item on the agenda for the Sheriff’s Office, and
2) Mr. Larry Cole to discuss the proposed NC DOT changes to Madison Boulevard
to be the first item of new business.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to add the items
requested above to the agenda and to approve the agenda as adjusted.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
There were no comments from the public.
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May 16, 2016
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DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to pull the
Proclamation for Eder Abuse Awareness Day on June 2, 2016 to be read and to approve
the Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Approval of Minutes of May 2, 2016,
B. Budget Amendment #19,
C. Green Growth grant in the amount of $10,000 (match met with in-kind donations,
no county funds to be appropriated),
D. Consideration to change the November 14, 2016 regular scheduled Board meeting
to November 21, 2016 to accommodate Local Government Day,
E. Tax Adjustments for the month of May 2016
a. Tax Releases, and
b. NC Vehicle Tax System pending refunds
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
DECISION ON ROADWAY NAME FOR R-2241A:
Ms. Sallie Vaughn, GIS Manager appeared before the Board to further discuss the
Board’s decision on Roadway name for R-2241A (US 501 from NC 49 in Roxboro to
South of SR 1502/Mill Creek Rd).
At the Board’s April 4, 2016 meeting several suggestions were made for roadway
names to be researched in conjunction with NC DOT staff. Ms. Vaughn confirmed to the
Board that the roadway name of Veterans Memorial Highway was unavailable for Person
County’s use. Ms. Vaughn noted the roadway name honoring professional golfer and
Roxboro native, Jim Thorpe was a viable option.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Kendrick and carried 5-0 to table Board
action on this item until the Board’s next meeting so that the Thorpe family could be
contacted.
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May 16, 2016
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PROPOSED NC DOT CHANGES TO MADISON BOULEVARD:
Mr. Larry Cole requested to be on the Board’s agenda to make the Board aware of
his concerns, as a business owner located on the Madison Boulevard, of the impacts of the
proposed NC DOT plan to change the traffic flow of Madison Blvd, if funded. Mr. Cole
spoke in opposition to the plan as the plan did not include turning lanes; he said that a
grassy median without turning lanes from Weeks Drive to the 4-way intersection at
Madison Blvd/N. Main Street was not feasible and that the right lane in both directions
would be backed up. Mr. Cole noted that the proposed medians in the areas that have
residential or no business access would not impact businesses along that stretch but in the
business district section of the Boulevard, he requested consideration for cross-over lanes
or dual turning lanes to be included in the plan. Mr. Cole stated he wanted the Board to
hear from a business owner perspective noting his concerns would ring true for emergency
personnel as well. Mr. Cole indicated he would be appearing before Roxboro City Council
as well on this issue.
Chairman Newell asked the County Planning Director, Mike Ciriello to explain the
Commissioners’ role in the proposed DOT plan. Mr. Ciriello explained that the Board of
Commissioners, Roxboro City Council and the state, in 2012, approved the Comprehensive
Transportation Plan based on the findings of facts which included considerations of traffic
flow, crashes, facility capacity and the ability to handle increased traffic over time.
Madison Boulevard has a current traffic flow 15,000 plus vehicles per day; 1,640 accidents
have been recorded on this facility during the period of 2010-2015. Mr. Ciriello noted the
goals for NC DOT was to increase safety and for the facility to meet the needed capacity.
Mr. Ciriello further noted that the proposed plan had scored well and may be funded in
small projects to address vehicular, bike and pedestrian traffic.
Mr. Cole asked the Board if all business owners could be sent a letter informing
them of the proposed DOT changes. Mr. Ciriello noted the project has been discussed for
five years and he was happy to talk with individuals or business owners at any time.
It was the consensus of the Board for any funding given priority for Person County
to be received and its intention for all parties to work out the details in a coordinated effort.
The Board asked Mr. Ciriello to address the merchants group to further discuss and explain
the proposed plan as well as communicate any concerns with the County’s designated DOT
engineer. Chairman Newell asked Mr. Ciriello to provide the Board with an update in three
months.
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May 16, 2016
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NEW BUSINESS:
COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN FOR FY16-17:
County Manager, Heidi York noted the health insurance renewal options are under
review with the County’s brokers Thompson-Allen Insurance of Roxboro and Scott Benefit
Services of Raleigh. With open enrollment scheduled for May 25th and 26th for all County
employees, Ms. York requested the Board to review the renewal information to determine
the most fiscally responsible option that also addresses the needs of the County’s
workforce.
Ms. York further noted the County currently enrolls 407 subscribers to the health
benefits plan at a rate of $540.43 per employee per month or $6,485.16 per employee
annually.
Ms. York stated the upcoming Fiscal Year would be the County’s second year in a
self-insured plan whereby the county pays the actual claims per employee. A new option
for discussion was a proposed two-tiered plan option allowing employees to choose their
deductible level and a contribution rate if they select the higher/richer plan. The renewal
was projected 13.1% higher cost than current year for an annual cost estimate of $3M or
about $600 per employee per month; an estimate of $7,724 per employee annually.
Ms. York asked brokers Phillip Allen and Bryan Bickley to present their health
benefits renewal analysis to the Board.
Mr. Bickley stated the health benefits costs was attributed to 15% fixed costs and
85% variable costs. The 85% variable costs was based on actual claims. Based on the
current fiscal year plan data, Mr. Bickley told the group that 55% of members spent less
than $1,000 and 73% of members spent less than $2,000 noting a smaller percentage, 27%
of members spent 85% of total plan. Mr. Bickley stated these statistics made a less valuable
plan appropriate for many employees; they would pay nothing in premiums but the plan
would be about 11% less rich. Mr. Bickley said for the County to increase participation in
the lesser rich plan he recommended the County have employees pay a monthly
contribution for the richer plan.
Mr. Bickley presented the group with an overview of the single option plan and a
two-tier option plan, both with a 13.1% increase for renewal. The increase in renewal
includes an 8.1% increase for the health plan along with a 5% marginal increase. The two
options are outlined as follows:
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The single option plan as shown above illustrated the current state and the renewal
with the only change being the 13.1% increase.
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The two-tier option plan as shown above illustrated the current state with the
renewal funding increase of 13.1% with a new option decrement of .89 based on 10%
enrollment in the option 2 (the Low Option or the less richer plan).
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Mr. Bickley proceeded to highlight the two-tier plan using the above benefit
analysis with the High Option continuing the current health benefit plan with employee
contribution of $25.00 per month or the Low Option which has no employee contribution
with reduced benefits, i.e., higher deductible, higher out-of pocket maximum and a
pharmacy reduction.
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May 16, 2016
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The single option plan was projected to cost the County $2,985,229 while the two-
tier option plan (as shown) was estimated to cost $2,841,847 noting the costs of the two-
tier option would vary based on enrollment shift. County Manager, Heidi York stated the
budget for insurance will remain the same regardless of which option the Board favored
noting any savings would be reflected in the County reserve for the next fiscal year.
The main differences shown in the two-tier plan was that the Low Option subscriber
would have a $2,000 annual deductible instead of $1,000; for a family, the annual
deductible would be $4,000 instead of $2,000. Also the out-of-pocket maximum for an
individual would be $4,000 instead of $3,000 and for a family the out-of-pocket maximum
$8,000 instead of $6,000. In addition, retail pharmacy copays would be increased for
brand-name prescriptions to $100 from $45 or $60 and specialty prescription drugs will
increase from 10% to 20% to a maximum of $350 which was limited at $250. Mr. Bickley
noted that the modeled scenario of 10% of the workforce choosing the Low Option plan
would cost the County just under $200,000 more than the current fiscal year for health
benefits whereas the single plan option would have increased the spending by $345,769.
Mr. Bickley offered that employees would be provided to links and tools to assist
with the decision to which option plan would best suit their needs.
Commissioner Jeffers said he was not in favor of the two-tier option plan. He felt
the County’s benefit package should be the best to retain its employees; by charging for
the same coverage that was received for free, this weakens the benefits and they may decide
to cross county lines for higher salaries and better benefits. Commissioner Clayton agreed
with Commissioner Jeffers.
Vice Chairman Kendrick advocated for giving the employee the option to pick the
appropriate plan and to save the taxpayers money in the end. He added that if the County
did not build a reserve, it is likely taxes may have to be raised to continue to pay for health
insurance coverage for employees.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 3-2 to approve the two-
tier County Employee Health Benefits Plan for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. Commissioner
Puryear, Vice Chairman Kendrick and Chairman Newell voted in favor of the motion.
Commissioners Clayton and Jeffers cast the dissenting votes.
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May 16, 2016
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GOVERNORS CRIME COMMISSION GRANT FOR THE PERSON COUNTY
SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS
AND
PERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE APPLICATION FOR BULLET PROOF
VESTS GRANT:
Captain Kevin Crabtree requested Board approval of the Governors Crime
Commission Grant for the Person County Sheriff’s Office for Body Worn Cameras.
Captain Crabtree told the group that the Governors Crime Commission Grant award
amount was $48,959 which mandated a $2 match per $1 grant funding. Captain Crabtree
noted this grant would be used to purchase 27 Body Cameras and equipment for data
downloads and needed storage which had to be in place by June 30, 2016. The County
match of $32,640 would be funded through the Law Enforcement Restricted Fund for
$16,319.00 in state grant funding.
Captain Crabtree requested Board approval to apply for a Bullet Proof Vest Grant
in the amount of $12,564 which would require a 50% county match for 20 Bullet Proof
Vests. The funding sources would be as follows:
• $6,282.00 Person County’s match will be funded from the Law Enforcement
Restricted Fund, and
• $6,282.00 state funds
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to approve the
Governors Crime Commission Grant for the Person County Sheriff’s Office for Body
Worn Cameras and to appropriate the County match from the Law Enforcement Restricted
Fund to match state funding and to approve the Person County Sheriff’s Office Application
for Bullet Proof Vests Grant, thus appropriating $6,282 from the Law Enforcement
Restricted Fund to match the same amount of state funding.
PROCLAMATION FOR ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY ON JUNE 2, 2016:
Chairman Newell read a Proclamation for Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 2,
2016. Commissioner Jeffers recognized the Kerr Tar Region K Area Agency on Aging
and the Person County Senior Center as sponsors of the Elder Abuse Awareness Day on
June 2, 2016 starting at 9:30am at Huck Sansbury whereby the community was invited to
participate in a commemorative walk.
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PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 PROPOSED BUDGET:
County Manager, Heidi York presented an overview of the manager’s proposed
budget noting that North Carolina General Statutes require that on or before June 1, the
manager present her recommended budget for the next fiscal year to the Board of
Commissioners. A copy of the budget document was distributed to each commissioner.
Ms. York stated the Board was scheduled to adopt the budget at its June 20, 2016 meeting.
Ms. York’s presentation follows:
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Ms. York stated the funding priorities reflected in the proposed budget were
identified by the Board at the Board’s retreat in February 2016.
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Ms. York noted the tax rate of .70 cents has remained steady since Fiscal Year
2007-2008 with the tax base seeing a little over 2% growth. Person County’s debt service
ratio is at 8% which is below the average population which is 11% and well below the
maximum in the population group at 15%.
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Ms. York noted the final unassigned fund balance is determined through the audit
which will be presented in January 2017 but staff are optimistic that it will remain flat or
decrease slightly to 23%.
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Ms. York noted an increase of $11,000 in the value of one penny on the tax rate
for the upcoming fiscal year.
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Ms. York did not consider any requests for new full-time positions with every
vacancy evaluated and only those critical for continued operation or supported by revenues
were filled. Ms. York proposed a reduction of six positions, three of which were vacant
positions (General Services, Tax, PATS), two transitions related to retirement or elections
(PI and Register of Deeds) and one grant funded position in the 4-H YES program due to
a reallocation of program funding by the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
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Ms. York stated it was cheaper to keep the merit versus a 1% COLA and the merit
pay program assisted the pay and classification to be less costly for the first of three phases
of implementation. Ms. York informed the Board that the state mandated a ¼% increase
in the upcoming fiscal year for retirement contribution which will be the same increase for
the following two fiscal years as well.
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Ms. York noted the total ADM included all Person County students that attend any
charter school.
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Ms. York said the City of Roxboro Fire Department was due a 2% increase for fire
protection services in 2016-2017 per the contract.
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Commissioner Jeffers asked for clarification on the VIPER expenditure of $1.5M
to which the manager explained the radio equipment upgrade included the Roxboro Fire
Department, the County Emergency Services personnel in addition to the Volunteer Fire
Departments and Rescue.
Chairman Newell requested staff to research how many emergency fire calls were
made in the county versus inside the city limits only.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Newell had no report.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Heidi York asked the Board to welcome the County’s Summer
Intern, Ellis Johnson. Mr. Johnson is a first year graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill in
the MPA program.
Ms. York reported that she along with Chairman Newell and Commissioners
Clayton and Jeffers would be attending County Assembly Day on May 18, 2016 to meet
with state legislators.
Ms. York informed the group that the Economic Development Commission’s
meeting for May 19, 2016 was rescheduled for May 26, 2016 at 8:00am due to the State of
the Region economic meeting in Durham at 7:00am.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
There was no report from Vice Chairman Kendrick nor Commissioners Jeffers,
Clayton and Puryear.
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CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Kendrick and carried 5-0 to enter Closed
Session per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(4) for the purpose of discussion of matters
relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the county
(economic development) at 10:52am with the following individuals permitted to attend:
County Manager, Heidi York, Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County Attorney, Ron
Aycock, Tax Administrator, Russell Jones, Summer Intern, Ellis Johnson and Economic
Development Director, Stuart Gilbert.
Chairman Newell called the Closed Session to order at 10:58am.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Kendrick and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:53am.
RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeffers and carried 5-0 to recess the meeting
at 11: 53am until May 23, 2016 at 6:00pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves David Newell, Sr.
Clerk to the Board Chairman
(Draft Board minutes are subject to Board approval).
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AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 6, 2016
Agenda Title: Farmland Preservation Plan
Background: In FY2015, Person County commissioners approved a grant request to apply for
funding to create a Farmland Preservation Plan (FPP). The State awarded the county $14,000 to
create the plan (an additional $2,000 was provided by the county and community groups provided
another $4,000) and a stakeholder group was appointed to oversee the development of the plan.
Summary of Information: Attached is the Person County Farmland Preservation Plan.
Recommended Action: Approve the FPP
Submitted By: Paul Westfall, Cooperative Extension Director
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1
Person
County
Farmland
Preservation
Plan
June
6,
2016
39
2
The well-being of a people is like a tree.
Agriculture is its root,
Manufacture and Commerce are its branches and its leaves.
If the root is injured,
The leaves fall, the branches break away, and the tree dies.
~ Chinese Proverb
Land is our most precious heritage.
~ Robert West Howard from The Vanishing Land
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* This plan was made possible with funding by the North Carolina Agriculture Development Trust Fund.
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Table
of
Contents
I. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................6
II. Action Plan .............................................................................................................................................7
III. Methodology ........................................................................................................................................7
IV. Background and Demographics .....................................................................................................10
Location ..................................................................................................................................................10
Population .............................................................................................................................................10
Soil and Water .......................................................................................................................................10
V. Existing Agriculture ...........................................................................................................................12
Tobacco ...................................................................................................................................................13
Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, dry peas .................................................................................................14
Farm Employment .................................................................................................................................14
Farm Statistics ......................................................................................................................................15
VI. Challenges & Opportunities ...........................................................................................................16
Small Ag Business Development and Marketing .............................................................................16
Industrial Agribusinesses ....................................................................................................................16
New Farmers and Foresters .................................................................................................................17
Tobacco ...................................................................................................................................................18
Vegetables, Berries and Other Fruit ...................................................................................................18
Greenhouse, Nursery, Floriculture, and Sod Farming .....................................................................20
Grains and Beans ..................................................................................................................................20
Hay and Forage .....................................................................................................................................20
Horses .....................................................................................................................................................21
Livestock and Livestock Processing ..................................................................................................21
Beekeeping ..............................................................................................................................................22
Agritourism ............................................................................................................................................22
Forestry ...................................................................................................................................................22
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5
Land Use .................................................................................................................................................22
Voluntary Ag District ..........................................................................................................................23
VII. Recommendations ...........................................................................................................................25
Appendix A: Action Plan Supplement ...............................................................................................27
1.
Integrate Agriculture Economic Development into County Government ........................27
2.
Educate New Farmers ..................................................................................................................27
3.
Enable Agriculture-Supportive Planning ................................................................................28
4.
Economic Development and Agriculture Infrastructure ......................................................29
5.
Grow Agritourism ........................................................................................................................30
6.
Promote Land Protection .............................................................................................................31
7.
Expand Agriculture Outreach and Marketing ........................................................................32
8.
Forestry Opportunities ................................................................................................................33
9.
Provide Networking and Education to Existing Farmers .....................................................34
10.
Facilitate Farm Transitions .........................................................................................................35
Appendix B: FPP Survey Instrument ..................................................................................................36
Appendix C: Key Points from Interviews ..........................................................................................39
Appendix D: Grant Resources ..............................................................................................................41
Appendix E: Planning Tools for Farm & Forestland Preservation ................................................42
Conservation Easements ......................................................................................................................45
Appendix F: Acknowledgements .........................................................................................................47
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I.
Executive
Summary
Since its first meeting, the Farmland Preservation Plan (FPP) stakeholder group has focused on the
economic impact of agriculture in Person County. This plan reflects that focus and suggests ways to
continue to grow the agricultural economy in the county.
According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, there were 395 farms encompassing 92,521 acres in
Person County. Cash receipts to farms exceeded $41 million and, according to the Department of
Agricultural and Resource Economics at North Carolina State University, the calculated value-added
impact of agriculture and forestry on the Person County economy was $90.7 million. That report also
showed that Person County agriculture and agribusiness accounted for 11.2% of employment in the
county. 1
With more than three million potential customers within a 2-hour drive, Person County is positioned to
be a major agricultural destination and supplier of agricultural commodities. The county is blessed
with good soil, a long tradition of agricultural success, and a strong commitment to the land by farm
families. Challenges to ag economic development include start-up costs, competing land uses, labor
availability and costs, changing markets, and farm transition. The action items on pages 7-8 are focused
on developing home-grown agribusinesses and agritourism enterprises that will build a foundation for
a stable and prosperous local economy. Data for this plan was collected through interviews and
surveys from over 200 farmers, foresters, agribusiness owners/operators, and agriculture related
individuals in the county. Based on the collected data and input from the stakeholder group, the
following list details the top priorities for promoting agricultural economic development:
1. Incorporate the FPP Action plan into the regular work of the Person County Agricultural
Advisory Board (PCAAB)
2. Hire a full-time Ag Economic Development Officer (grant funded)
3. Present the “State of Person County Agriculture” report to the Board of Commissioners (BOC)
annually
4. Offer an annual farm transition workshop, labor issues forum, and networking event for
existing farmers
5. Work with Piedmont Community College to offer classes such as sustainable ag, crop
diversification, and farm equipment repair for new farmers
6. Plan for expansion of agribusiness and agritourism using planning tools
7. Develop a funding mechanism for new ag business ventures
8. Invest in ag infrastructure, such as a refrigeration facility, value-added processing facility, or a
large equipment co-op
9. Launch a “Person County Foods” marketing campaign
1 https://ag-econ.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Person.pdf
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II.
Action
Plan
Note: Action items were obtained from interviews and survey results. Each action item is ranked
based on the frequency and urgency of issues identified during the study.
Adjacent Counties Ag. Government Agencies Ag. Associations Ag. Businesses Ag. Youth Clubs Ag Economic Development Officer Colleges and Universities PC Agriculture Advisory Board (PCAAB) PC Planning Department PC Economic Development Office Elected Officials PC Misc. Departments PC Tax Office PC Tourism Board and Chamber Private Development Community Regional and Fed. ED and Planning Agencies FY to be completed Integrate Ag Economic Development
into County Government
Request PCAAB to incorporate Action
Plan 2016
Hire Agriculture Economic Development
Officer (EDO)
2018
Present the “The State of Person County
Ag” to BOC
2017
Review FPP annually; revise as needed n/a
Educate New Farmers
Work with Community College to offer ag
classes 2018
Develop "Beginning Farmer" guide 2017
Establish new farmer program with
adjacent counties
2019
Develop a funding mechanism for new ag
businesses
2019
Develop a "veteran to farmer" program 2019
Develop farm internship programs
through FFA
2018
Work with schools to strengthen FFA 2018
Enable Agriculture-Supportive Planning
Adopt land use and design standards to
support agriculture
2018
Produce farmland and land development
suitability map
2017
Economic Development and Ag
Infrastructure
Establish a farmers cooperative for
wholesale product sales
2019
Build a refrigeration facility for
agricultural storage
2020
Build a livestock facility for cattle and
larger animals
2020
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8
Pursue meat processor for cattle and
larger animals
2022
Pursue access to the South Boston
Cannery
2018
Grow Agritourism
Continue to promote the farm tour 2017
Complete and promote the quilt trail 2016
Increase the total miles of horse trails in
the county
2020
Promote Land Protection
Conduct an annual conservation and cost
share workshop
2017
Increase VAD & NC Century Farm
Program participation
2018
Adopt an EVAD ordinance 2018
Rollback PUV funds for a PACE program 2019
Expand Agriculture Outreach and
Marketing
Establish & promote community gardens 2018
Work on marketing collaborative with
border counties
2018
Market PC agriculture to attract retirees 2019
Conduct a local foods marketing &
education campaign
2018
Mazimize outreach of the two current
farmers markets
2018
Establish agriculture booths at arts, parks,
festivals and sporting events
2018
Expand Forestry Opportunities
Educate the public on the economic value
of forestry
2018
Evaluate local N.C. Forest Service staffing
needs
2018
Promote PC farm & forestland for military
training
2019
Conduct forestry potential and capacity
report
2017
Provide networking and education to
existing farmers
Organize an annual farmer appreciation
event
2018
Establish an annual schedule of events
around farm-related topics
2022
Establish an FFA Alumni organization 2020
Establish a Hobby Farm Association 2017
Conduct an annual landowner workshop 2017
Establish a listing system of land and
rental properties for farmers
2017
Facilitate farm transitions
Offer an annual farm transition workshop 2016
Conduct seminars for realtors and
attorneys on farmland transactions
2017
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III.
Methodology
The Person County Commissioners appointed local citizens to the FPP stakeholder group to develop
this plan. The stakeholder group provided oversight, identified individuals to be interviewed, and
approved the final version of the FPP.
Research conducted between January 2015 and June 2016
• Face-to-face and phone interviews of over 200 groups and individuals. All interviews were
recorded and converted into typewritten notes for future reference. A diverse selection of
stakeholders were interviewed, including high school FFA students, local government officials,
nonprofit representatives, business owners, landowners and land users, foresters, and farmers of all
backgrounds: multi-generational, limited resource, new, old and young.
• Five groups totaling 85 participants came together to discuss this plan. These events included an
advertised public meeting, discussions with the Roxboro Charter School FFA, the Bushy Fork
Grange, the Person Soil and Water Conservation District Board, and multiple meetings with the
FPP stakeholder group.
• The Person County Planning and GIS departments worked on maps and data collection.
• Land-use plans, ordinances and regulations were reviewed to identify conflicts and opportunities
for forestry and farming.
• Infrastructure needs and marketing opportunities were evaluated.
• Data was quantified and examined to identify opportunities and challenges for agriculture.
• A survey instrument was designed and distributed to receive input on key issues.
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10
IV.
Background
and
Demographics
Location
Person County is a land of rolling
hills located in the extreme north
central Piedmont of North
Carolina. Person County is a part
of the Research Triangle
(Durham-Raleigh-Chapel Hill)
metropolitan area and within 3
hours driving distance of four
major urban areas – Charlotte,
Greensboro, Richmond and
Norfolk. Access to these densely
populated areas is via State
Highways 49 and 57, and US
Highways 158 and 501. According
to NC DOT the most heavily
traveled road is Highway 501,
with 30,000 vehicles a day
traveling to and from Durham.
Population
According to the 2014 U.S. Census, the population is estimated at 39,132. The N.C. Office of
Management and Budget anticipate that Person County’s population will remain essentially flat;
reaching almost 40,000 people by the year 2030. Roxboro, with a population of 8,187 residents, is the
county seat and center of commerce for the county.
Soil
and
Water
Person County is divided into three river basins with abundant water in creeks, ponds, lakes and
rivers. Sixty percent of the county drains to the Dan River and the remaining waters leave via the Tar,
Pamlico, and Neuse River Basins. The largest water bodies are Hyco Lake and Mayo Lake in the
northern end of the county, which are primarily used for power generation and recreation. Based on
maps from 1995, soil scientists concluded that more than 90% of the county is covered with well-
drained soils ideal for agriculture. The map below highlights the abundance of high-quality soil in the
county.
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11
49
12
V.
Existing
Agriculture
As shown below, the percentage of acres that is farmed in Person County decreased significantly over
the last 100 years, but less of Person County’s total land is dedicated to farming. In addition, Person
County farms are much larger than they were in the past and Person County has less farms in total.
Person
County
Agriculture:
A
Century
of
Change1
Year
1910
1959
2012
Total
Acres
250,787
250,787
250,787
%
County
Land
in
Farms
95%
84.8%
38%
Farmland
Acres
238,248
212,667
95,299
Number
of
Farms
2,365
2,330
395
Average
Acres
per
Farm
100
91
241
Cattle
Inventory
5,061
6,190
7,673
Swine
inventory
7,664
9,777
3,815
Poultry
Inventory
46,254
67,494
651
Egg-‐‑Laying
Chickens2
1Direct historical comparisons are difficult given changes in the definition of “farm” over time, but the information above
provides helpful trend data.
2Poultry inventory not reported other than commercial layer hens due to confidentiality concerns about the low number of
producers. The 2012 figures do not capture poultry in non-commercial flocks.
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13
In 1945, total farm sales were approximately $72 million (2012 dollars). In 2012, total farm sales were
approximately $41 million. Despite decreases in total sales numbers, agriculture remains an important
part of Person County’s economy, and crop sales still represent the largest share of ag sales.
Farming
Economy
The USDA classifies a “small farm” as a farm that has gross sales less than $250,000. Between 2007 and
2012, the proportion of farms classified as small farms in Person County decreased and the number of
large-scale farms increased, which follows national trends of agriculture production moving to larger
farms. Despite growth in the number of large-scale farms, small farms remain important. In 2012,
small farms accounted for 16% of total farm sales and represented 89% of farms in Person County.
Number of farms by size 2007 2012
Small Farms 380 354
Large-scale farms 23 41
Total number of farms 403 395
The table below highlights major crops in Person County:
Top ag product
by category
#1 #2 #3
Acres Soybeans (13,978) Wheat (10,208) Forage (7,656)
Number of Animals
(Inventory)
Cattle (7,673) Swine (5,258) Egg-laying Poultry (651)
Sales Tobacco ($22.9M) Grain ($11.1M) Soybeans ($6.02M)
Between 2007 and 2012, farm expenditures doubled to approximately $35 million. Labor accounted for
$7.8 million of the total expenses. In addition, fertilizer accounted for $.3 million, $2.6 million for
supplies, $2.4 million for animal feed, $964,000 for livestock, and $1.8 million for plants and seeds.
Between 2007 and 2012, the market value of agricultural products sold in Person County2 increased at
the same rate and totaled $41 million in 2012. The largest dollar increase in market value occurred in
two categories--tobacco and grains. Grains rose from 14.8% (2007) to 27% in 2012. Tobacco’s share of
total agricultural sales in 2012 increased from 49.9% in 2007 to 56% in 2012.
Tobacco
In 2002, prior to the Tobacco Transition Payment Plan (TTPP), 172 farms in Person County produced
$12.7 million in sales from 3,232 acres of tobacco. Five years later, the number of tobacco farms
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14
decreased by more than half and sales totaled $9.6 million. By 2012, 59 farms raised 5,240 acres of
tobacco and generated $22.9 million in sales, a record for Person County. Despite changes in
government support, tobacco continues to generate the most revenue of any ag product from Person
County.
Gross market value before taxes and production expenses of all ag products sold or removed from place in 2012
regardless of who received payment.
Grains,
oilseeds,
dry
beans,
dry
peas
Within the grain category, the largest increase in “# of Farms” occurred in wheat production, which
had an increase of 33 farms. The largest sales increase occurred in soybeans which grew by 664%. Each
category recorded an increase in farms and the only category to see a decrease in sales was in “Other
Grains.”
Farm
Employment
When compared to the 2007 Ag Census, the 2012 Ag Census shows a significant increase in the number
of farms reporting employment and the number of farm workers. The 2012 Ag Census also provided
additional data on farm employment that was not reported in previous ag censuses. Based on the
available data,
Person County
farm
Tobacco
Sales
and
Acreage
Year
1987
1992
1997
2002
2007
2012
Farms
403 313 227 126 63 59
Acres
4,211 5,781 6,346 3,232 3,463 5,240
Sales
in
Millions
$12 $19.3 $21.96 $12.7 $9.6 $22.9
Million
Pounds
8.4 12.2 13.5 7.2 6.2 12.1
2007 2012
# of Farms Sales ($) # of Farms Sales ($)
Corn 39 521,000 47 1,669,000
Wheat 41 1,328,000 74 3,205,000
Soybeans 51 906,000 66 6,020,000
Sorghum 1 (Not given) 5 172,000
Barley 3 (not given) 6 53,000
Other grains 7 63,000 9 32,000
1997 2002 2007 2012
Farms reporting employment 177 189 96 138
Number of Workers 1304 904 487 848
Payroll (2012 dollars) $2,953,000 $3,965,543 $3,167,012 $6,563,000
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employment grew 74% between 2007 and 2012 and the number of farms reporting employment grew
43%. Person County also had 35 farms reporting migrant employment—which totaled 313 workers—
and 164 farms reporting unpaid workers, which totaled 379 workers.
Farm
Statistics
According to Person County’s Economic Development office, 1,244 residents live on a farm, which is
the highest number of any county in the region, except for Caswell County. The average age of a
farmer also continues to rise and is now 57, just behind the state average of 58. In Person County, the
typical farmer operates on a second, third, or fourth generation farm.
When compared to other counties, Person County remains a relatively diverse county based on the
racial and gender make-up of principal farm operators. African-Americans are the primary operators of
45 farms, or 11% of all farms. Native Americans operate three farms and Latinos operate two farms.
Ten percent of the primary farm operators in the county are female, which is an 8% decrease since 2007.
There are 395 farms in the county today, which is a 90% decrease in 50 years. While the farming
population has decreased over time, established farms in the county have continued to consolidate—
doubling the size of the average farm. Cropland acres have decreased almost 25% in 50 years and
cattle remains the only livestock with increasing numbers.
Another noticeable trend in the ag census data was the growth in value of agricultural products sold
directly to individuals for human consumption. This category includes roadside stands, farmer’s
markets, pick-your-own sites, etc. Between 2007 and 2012, this category nearly doubled in value. As
consumer interest in farmer’s markets and local produce increase, this category could represent an
opportunity for growth in Person County.
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VI.
Challenges
&
Opportunities
Person County’s history of agriculture and forestry has created a culture of appreciation for rural
living. Every citizen who was interviewed stated the importance of Person County remaining a good
place to raise a family. Support is strong for sustaining agriculture and forestry as the underpinning
for this quality of life. However, most interviewees also talked about the need for new jobs. Without
exciting, new employment opportunities in agriculture or other sectors, young people will leave the
county for greener pastures.
Currently, 46% of Person County residents drive out of the county to work. This figure represents
significant revenue leakage, through shopping, eating out, gas purchases and sales tax revenue
collected out of county. Recruiting a major agribusiness employer, growing small ag businesses, and
marketing local foods could help to reverse this trend and grow the agricultural economy.
Fortunately, there are many opportunities for growing the ag economy in Person County. Below is a
list of challenges and opportunities developed from interviews and meetings with stakeholders. The
Ag EDO position is key to addressing many of these challenges and taking advantage of the
opportunities.
Small
Ag
Business
Development
and
Marketing
Challenge: Agriculture has become a complex profession that is enhanced with knowledge of
computers, business planning, environmental regulations, cost share programs and grants. While
younger farmers today realize the value in a college education, many farmers who were interviewed
expressed the need to know more. Farmers are also looking for county support with new ideas and
resources for achieving marketing success and generating more profit.
Opportunity: Person County’s existing staff (Planning, Soil and Water, Cooperative Extension) has the
ability to provide new and existing farmers with information about land use, cost-share programs, and
educational opportunities, but lacks the capacity to create a formal new business development process.
Person County needs a dedicated Agricultural Economic Development Officer with marketing and
small business development experience who can help new farmers develop business plans, evaluate
agricultural business proposals, and provide marketing advice.
Industrial
Agribusinesses
Three of the largest agribusinesses in Person County are US Flue Cured Tobacco Growers, Louisiana
Pacific, and Boise Cascade. These companies have a combined tax value of more than $590 million.
Challenge: Recruit new industrial agribusiness and expand existing agribusiness in Person County.
Opportunities: The Person County Economic Development Office continues to investigate agribusiness
opportunities. For example, wood products offer a significant opportunity for agribusiness growth in
Person County. The county has the opportunity to work with Louisiana Pacific and Boise Cascade and
other wood products manufacturers to grow this business sector. As conservation techniques become
more prevalent, there will be opportunities to use the entire tree in harvests. In addition, there is an
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opportunity to grow a wood pellet industry as more consumers use specialized wood burning stoves in
place of coal and oil furnaces.
The recently announced AgTech Accelerator in RTP could offer opportunities for new industrial
agribusinesses in Person County. An Ag EDO could explore opportunities for partnership between
new ag enterprises looking to expand. Person County could offer new ag businesses proximity to raw
materials and RTP.
Additional uses for tobacco and other crops are being reviewed along with future opportunities for
natural hemp in North Carolina. Person County should continue to look at growth opportunities in this
sector.
As with all business opportunities, training will continue to be an important factor for attracting new
businesses. Greater resources for Future Farmers of America (FFA), community college students, and
the general public can provide Person County residents with more sustainable agribusinesses in the
future.
Farm
Transition
Challenge: Many adults who were interviewed shared concerns about young people moving away due
to lack of opportunity and the challenges this creates for farm transition and maintaining profitability.
High school students who were interviewed talked about their plans to leave the county for college, the
military, and jobs. Only a few students talked about being a farmer and a smaller number of those with
a family farm talked about farming here in the future. This has contributed to the ongoing struggle
facing farmers in which there are no heirs to take over the farming business.
Opportunities: There is an opportunity to host an annual ag conference or workshops to address new
types of agriculture, farm transition, present use value taxation, the VAD program, estate planning,
and conservation easements. Many of the agribusiness representatives interviewed stated they are
willing to offer advisement and financial support for farmer education and events. The Ag EDO would
be responsible for organizing and hosting these conferences and workshops.
Person County School’s FFA program is an agricultural education program that develops leadership
skills. FFA in Person County is strong and emphasizes the link between technology and farming.
Person County farmers and agribusiness should evaluate establishing an FFA alumni association that
will provide leadership and fundraising activities.
New
Farmers
and
Foresters
Challenge: For most Person County farmers, their primary crop is flue-cured tobacco, beef cattle and/or
trees. As traditional agriculture evolves, opportunities for new farmers have developed. These new
farmers are moving into the county with limited resources and a desire to own land to make a living.
These new residents face many obstacles and some will not survive without information and
assistance.
Opportunity: Person County’s ag departments have a wealth of information for new farmers; however,
the information needs to be organized and made available to new farmers. There is an opportunity to
create a system for new farmers to learn about Person County’s agricultural resources. Workshops and
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18
conferences for new farmers should also be offered. Staff has investigated hosting the “Ag School”
program in 2017 where new farmers develop and submit a business plan and receive critical feedback
about their ventures. The Ag EDO, with the help of other county departments, would be responsible
for organizing and hosting these conferences and workshops.
Tobacco
Challenge: Tobacco still generates the most agricultural revenue of any crop grown in Person
County. While the industry-funded Tobacco Buyout Program ended in 2014, tobacco yields and
revenues from tobacco have grown even though some farmers chose to retire, sell their land, or switch
to other crops or forestry. All but a few acres of tobacco grown are flue-cured varieties being grown
under either conventional or organic production protocols. About half the tobacco farmers interviewed
either have an organic contract or want one; the other half believe the incentives for growing organic
tobacco will fade.
Opportunity: There are fewer tobacco farmers in Person County today, but harvest volume and cash
receipts continue to reach record levels. It is important to continue educating farmers on new
opportunities in tobacco and other agricultural commodities through educational workshops.
Vegetables,
Berries
and
Other
Fruit
Challenge: The market for Person County vegetables and fruit is limited to the Piedmont. Some local
product is sold in the two farmers’ markets in Roxboro and the rest at markets outside of Person
County where prices and customer numbers are higher. The trade off with out-of-county markets is
the added costs of transportation and time.
Every vegetable farmer interviewed has experience selling produce at one of the two farmers’ markets
in Roxboro. Almost without exception, most farmers —within a couple of years— shift to other
markets or stop growing vegetables. General consensus on selling vegetables in Roxboro was
described as “a struggle, at best” the local customer demand is not sufficient and prices are artificially
low because customers are not willing to pay a premium for locally grown and organic produce.
Additionally, many residents of the county either have a garden or know someone who shares from
their garden.
Large, multi-generation farm owners were interviewed for this plan, but none expressed an interest in
growing produce for the following reasons: vegetables are high risk, have low profit potential, and
require marketing. Every one of these farmers stated that they do not understand how to market
produce. These farmers also stated that they equate vegetable production with a lower standard of
living than what they are accustomed to.
There are several small farms located in southern Person County and its border counties. Over the next
decade, the number of small farms in this area is expected to rise. Interviews with these farmers
identified several commonalities- most of these farmers are younger, earn less than tobacco and cattle
on the same acreage, advertise through web sites, focus on customer relationships, hire interns, use
organic practices, raise vegetables and flowers, host events, try out new crops every season, depend on
farmer’s markets, and often have a spouse with outside employment.
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Opportunities: Retail and wholesale outlets normally buy fruits and vegetables in quantities that exceed
the production capability of the typical small, produce farmer. Every produce farmer who was
interviewed talked about the need for a vegetable cooperative. They also expressed interest in a cold
storage facility, a branding label, and cattle sale facility. Grant money is available for this type of
infrastructure; however, there are both successful and unsuccessful examples of vegetable cooperatives
around the state. Projects that have failed lacked proper research and local commitment, as such, grants
should require individual growers to invest some of their money into projects so that there is sufficient
commitment from the grower to the project and community.
Several restaurants, store managers, and other businesses were asked about the potential market for
selling locally grown and organic produce. Over the years, Person County retailers have made
multiple attempts to cash in on this market with little success. Business owners said there are three
challenges to overcome in Person County: low wages, lack of understanding about the health benefits
of locally grown and organic agriculture, and lack of awareness of the importance of buying local to
support the local economy. Helping residents to make better food choices requires a long-term
educational effort that promotes buying local and cooking at home. Cooking classes and food
demonstrations at farmer markets and public events are a good start, as well as an education campaign
on locally grown foods.
The Hillsborough-based Piedmont Food & Agriculture Processing (PFAP) center opened in 2011. State
and federal grant funding, along with the contributions of four counties made this facility a reality.
When this facility was being planned, an invitation was extended to Person County to provide
financing as a founding member, but the offer was declined. This center offers a certified kitchen,
commercial grade cooking equipment, and storage facilities (cold, freezer and dry) for use by local
businesses on a rental basis. Small-scale food entrepreneurs use the PFAP frequently. Technical
assistance and consultation services are also offered through the center. Several farmers have stated
that they would like to see Person County join PFAP and county leadership should be encouraged to
contact the PFAP board to make an inquiry about joining.
A canning facility is located in South Boston, Virginia. Canning opportunities are available for a small
fee June—December on Tuesday and Thursday from June – December. Person County should
investigate promoting the facility to local producers.
Several farms in Person County manage Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations. A CSA
is a contractual agreement between a grower and a customer who subscribes for a share of a farm’s
seasonal products. Shares of produce can be picked up at the farm, but most CSA’s deliver to a drop off
point on a weekly basis for a pre-established number of weeks. The farmer sets the rate and is
normally paid before any deliveries are made. This concept has been
around for several decades and is a good match for customers with busy
lives and disposable income. The CSA is a business model that holds a
lot of potential for small farms in the southern end of the Person County.
Another economic bright spot are the half a million potential customers of
local agriculture in NC, who live within a one-hour drive of Person
County. The growing population in Durham and Orange counties is
County Population
Person 39,464
Caswell 23,719
Durham 294,460
Granville 59,916
Orange 133,801
TOTAL 511,896
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increasing the market for local food. An Ag EDO could help educate farmers about marketing their
foods and promote Person County agriculture.
Greenhouse,
Nursery,
Floriculture,
and
Sod
Farming
Challenge: The number of greenhouse and nursery related businesses in Person County increased from
9 to 20 between 2007 and 2012. The 2008 economic recession resulted in a five-year sales drop from
$916,000 to $581,000. However, as the economy improves, there are new opportunities in niche
markets, including weddings and parties.
Opportunity: Between late winter and early spring, greenhouses are used to grow tobacco seedlings.
During the other seven to nine months of the year, the greenhouses could be used for vegetable and
flower production. This is an idea worth further evaluation and possibly a future workshop.
Grains
and
Beans
Challenge: The 2012 Agriculture Census reported that $11 million was generated from 24,186 acres of
grains and beans. Several agribusinesses in Virginia and North Carolina buy this product once
harvested. The largest buyer in this area is Camp Chemical, which is a fertilizer and seed supplier
located in the county. However, farmers are reluctant to enter this market while commodity prices are
below production costs. Grains earn less per acre than tobacco or cattle, but it is likely that grains and
beans will remain economically viable over the long-term.
Opportunity: There are economic opportunities for specialty grains such as hard dent corn for corn
chips, high oil or high starch corn for processing, livestock, and other entities. However, there are risks
with lower yields, if no premium prices exist. In addition, NC State continues to fund research in
drought tolerant soybeans, brown stem rot resistant soybeans, and corn emergence studies to improve
profitability.
Hay
and
Forage
Challenge: In 2012, hay was the third largest crop by total acreage in the county, making Person County
31st out of 100 counties in the state for hay production. That year, 91 farms grew 17,400 tons, or $1.1
million worth of hay on 9,200 acres. In 2007, the harvest was the same with a value of $419,000.
Several farmers who were interviewed noted that specialty buyers offer the best prices for hay.
Specialty markets include landscapers (erosion control), fire departments (for burns), agritourism
events (e.g. fall festivals), and horses. Horse owners pay the most for hay, but require high-quality hay
that is delivered and stacked on-site. Many hay buyers do not know how to judge the quality of hay.
Opportunities: The markets listed above are fairly strong and will continue to be strong into the near
future. With additional time and dollars, hay producers can locate and pursue other markets. This
may require thinking outside the box in terms of where and to whom to promote the product. For
example new marketing opportunities may include placing "Hay For Sale" signs in strategic locations
and listing hay for sale on Craigslist and other online venues.
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There is an opportunity to educate producers on the value of having hay tested for quality ($10 in NC).
Horses
Challenge: According to the 2012 Census, there were only eight horse farms in Person County. A 2009
Equine Impact Study by the N.C. Rural Center counted 1,960 horses in Person County with an
estimated value of $11.9 million dollars. It was recently estimated by the Horseman Association that
there are more than 2,000 horses in the county today.
Horse owners have the option of participating in two local organizations- the Person County Saddle
Club and The Person County Horseman’s Association. The Horseman’s Association promotes horse
ownership, organizes trail rides, and participates in regional events. The Saddle Club hosts six horse
events a year.
Opportunity: Unfortunately, the increase in horse ownership has been met with an increase in the
number of landowners with smaller tracts of land. In recent years this has meant fewer miles of trail in
the county, shorter rides, and a limited number of participants. This trend needs to be reversed to help
keep Person County’s equine industry strong. One action item in this plan is to increase the miles of
horse trails in the county.
Livestock
and
Livestock
Processing
Challenge: There are 119 beef cattle operations, eight hog farms, one dairy, one bison farm, as well as
farms with poultry, llamas and other assorted livestock in the county. Cattle farms represent the third
largest source of farm income with a combined market value of $2.6 million.
Beef cattle are the main source of income on some farms, but for most they are a secondary source of
income that keeps the farm profitable. Twenty farms with a combined market value of $29,000 raise
sheep and goats for wool, meat, milk, and offspring. Support for this industry is provided by research
at N.C. A&T University’s Small Farm Collaborative and Small Ruminant Research Unit.
Opportunities: There is not a processing center nearby, so livestock is taken to facilities in Virginia and a
half dozen North Carolina locations. There used to be a sale facility south of Roxboro and farmers are
once again talking about the need for a facility in the county. This would be a good project to evaluate
for an ADFP Trust Fund grant proposal.
Animal processing is heavily regulated with rules that are easy to violate and penalties that are costly
to address. This climate of heavy oversight can shut down any facility in this state and is the primary
reason that there are no longer any poultry processing facilities near Person County (the closest ones
are in Hickory and Marion). However, state law allows producers to slaughter 1,000 birds a year on
their farms for direct sale to customers.
Large livestock processing is even more complex and requires a company like Piedmont Custom Meats
located in Caswell County. Piedmont can process every kind of meat animal that is raised in Person
County. Onsite USDA inspections qualify their meat products to be sold to both retail and wholesale
customers. Several Person County farmers do business with Piedmont, but there are limitations.
Sunset Ridge Buffalo Farms (SRBF) has used Piedmont, but due to the largeness of buffalo this
arrangement has not always worked out. The nearest facilities for processing buffalo are in West
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Virginia and Pennsylvania. SRBF would benefit from an upgrade to the facilities at Piedmont and
having a second buffalo farm to open in or near Person County. It is not likely that a new meat
handling facility will be built anytime soon due to high costs and regulatory hurdles.
One other niche company in livestock processing is Nu Dimensions Nutrition, based in Hurdle Mills.
This farm-based company is sourcing all NC ingredients, including organic vegetables, for pet food
production. This 18-year-old company operates inside a profitable niche, yet outside the confines of
conventional agriculture. This company may offer opportunities for partnering with more farms and
demonstrates to other farms in the county how to find a unique place in agriculture.
Beekeeping
Challenge: The 2012 Census of Agriculture reported 23 farms with 117 bee colonies. Three farms are also
noted for selling honey, which is a minor part of the county’s farm economy. The real importance of
honeybees is for fruit and vegetable pollination and a few beekeepers do rent out hives. The Person
County Beekeepers Association is an award-winning organization that supports beekeeping as a hobby
and for secondary income. This organization has 50 members and should stay strong for a long time.
Opportunity: Support the Person County Beekeepers Association as they continue to increase the
number of hives in the county.
Agritourism
Challenge: Agritourism is a growth industry and is taking root across Person County. The distance
from large urban areas has been a disadvantage in past years, but as Person County becomes more of a
bedroom community agritourism is taking hold. Currently, Person County is creating a Quilt Trail
designed to encourage residents and tourists to drive the rural countryside and shop the county’s
various agribusinesses.
Opportunity: The NC Department of Agriculture offers staff resources, web advertising, and free
advisement on this topic. The N.C. Agritourism Networking Association (NC-ANA) is a membership
organization that is a conduit for networking with peers, sharing best practices, finding solutions and it
maintains an online directory of agribusinesses. Person County should engage with the Person County
Tourism Development Authority to increase agritourism.
Forestry
Challenge: Fifty-one percent of the land area in Person County is in trees. Every consultant and
industry professional who was interviewed talked about Person County meeting only half of its
production capability and landowners missing out on the profit potential.
Opportunity: Person County should work with the Caswell Area Forestry Association, Louisiana
Pacific, Cooperative Extension, and the North Carolina Forest Service on forestry education programs
for landowners.
Land
Use
Challenge: How much farmland is too much farmland to lose to other uses? From 1990 to 2005, North
Carolina was a national leader in farmland conversion into other uses. The most recent major land use
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changes in Person County were the construction of Mayo and Hyco Lakes, commercial development
along Highway 501 South and new homes in the southern end of the county. Before 2008, it appeared
that growth was finally coming to the county, but then the economy slowed and most development
pressure went away. Furthermore, changes in annexation laws have diminished the opportunity for
the City of Roxboro to annex county land. Developers who were interviewed for this plan are
optimistic about long-term growth in the county, but frustrated with the short-term outlook.
There are two areas of modest growth in the county– 1) along Highway 501 and 2) in the southern part
of the county that borders Durham County. The distance from interstate highways and employment
are two factors that make Person County attractive as a bedroom community for residents working in
Durham, Orange, and Wake counties.
During interviews, many residents expressed concern about what they view as the loss of too much
farmland in the county. There is concern among residents that development pressure will return and
catch the county unprepared to protect the best farm and forestland.
There are many examples around the state of communities that have been successful in maintaining
control of development, while growing the local economy. There are even more examples of
communities where intensive development has degraded the quality of rural living. Polk County and
Henderson County are two communities that have grown tourism, land values, and the agricultural
economy, while maintaining a high quality of life for residents. Small farms, apple orchards, vegetable
farms, and conservation easements have been important elements for enhancing rural living in these
mountain counties.
Opportunities: Person County could conduct a Development Suitability Study (DSS) to help residents
and officials identify lands for development and protection. The DSS will also be used to identify the
best zones for agriculture and other uses. A second study will look at development along the
Transportation Corridors to identify the condition and needs of the County’s primary infrastructure
facilities for access and movement of goods and people. This study will also inform the projects
submitted to the State and others for funding.
Person County is roughly divided into two zoning districts, Rural Conservation (RC) and Residential
(R). Rural Conservation is the County’s least restrictive zoning district and is also the location of most
agricultural activities. The RC district allowed uses and design standards should be reviewed for
compatibility with the goals of this document, and for opportunities to enhance the future success of
agriculture in the county. A list of land use tools that can be used for preserving farmland is included
in Appendix E.
Person County could also consider budgeting PUV rollback funds to establish a conservation easement
program, similar to the one in Alamance County.
Voluntary
Ag
District
The Person County VAD Ordinance was adopted by the county commissioners in 2011. Currently,
there are 165 landowners with 26,500 acres enrolled in the program. The VAD does not keep land from
being developed, but it does create a sense of community among rural landowners and it demonstrates
to the County Commissioners that forestry and agriculture are significant to the county. There is also a
clause in the ordinance that states that any VAD enrolled property targeted for condemnation will be
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given the benefit of a public hearing. Some agencies, including the N.C. Department of Transportation,
are obligated to seek out alternate parcels, as opposed to making a VAD property a first choice for any
public project.
Challenge: The Person County VAD has done well, but there is still a lot of land that remains to be
enrolled. Many landowners are unaware of the program or have not taken the time to enroll their land.
Opportunities: Greater effectiveness of the VAD can be achieved by getting more land enrolled and by
exploring options for the county to enhance program benefits. In addition, the town of Roxboro can
adopt their own ordinance, or sign a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to support the VAD
within their city limits.
Person County should investigate adopting an Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD)
ordinance. This voluntary program offers landowners additional benefits beyond the VAD program.
All respondents to the FPP survey agreed that the county should develop an EVAD program and 94%
said they would participate.
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VII.
Recommendations
This plan represents the collaborative input of over 200 people and organizations in Person County.
The recommendations below combined with the items listed in the Action Plan provide the ingredients
to preserve farmland, increase the economic impact of existing agriculture in the county, attract new
agribusinesses, and make Person County an agritourism destination in the Upper Piedmont.
1. Adopt land use and design standards to support agriculture. Conversion of farm and
forestland is much more likely to occur in areas to the south and east of Person County (the
areas closest to the center of the Research Triangle and Durham) and around Hyco and Mayo
Lakes. While the growth rate in Person County is slower than in locations closest to the center
of the Triangle, the potential for a rapid uptick in development is real and presents the greatest
threat to farm and forestland. Now is the best time to start planning to protect our existing and
potential agricultural economy. Conducting a Development Suitability Study will provide a
roadmap for future growth.
2. Investigate implementing more farmland preservation tools. Other than the VAD program,
Person County has not implemented any farmland preservation tools. However, local
landowners have expressed a great deal of interest in the ongoing preservation efforts that our
bordering counties have taken and are interested in establishing some of these same
opportunities in Person County. The Federal and State governments have funds set-aside for
farmland preservation; however, accessing these dollars requires matching funds. Durham,
Orange, and Alamance counties set aside money each year to provide the matching funds
necessary to leverage the State and Federal programs.
3. Provide new and existing farmers with educational opportunities about farmland
preservation, farm transfer, and crop diversification. Farmers, foresters, and landowners with
an interest in the future are faced with a range of challenges and opportunities. Landowners
expressed interest in learning about new ideas from trusted sources. A new generation of
farmers and foresters are emerging with new ideas that will benefit Person County agricultural
production. In the not-to-distant future, not only will existing farms compete for new markets,
but they will see more competition for the land they farm. The county Ag EDO would play a
key role in implementing this recommendation.
4. Create an environment where agriculture and agritourism can be profitable. A marketing
campaign and continuous public education is needed to promote Person County
agriculture. Farmers are asking for help with marketing and some have talked about county
branding and establishing a vegetable cooperative. For example, small businesses and
restaurants with the potential to purchase locally grown farm products continue to locate in
Person County. Client numbers in these establishments are good, but the demand for local and
organic foods has not been cultivated. In addition, the surrounding counties are a huge market
for locally grown agriculture and agritourism. The county Ag EDO would play a key role in
implementing this recommendation.
5. Research and encourage new industrial agriculture opportunities. The growth of Person
County’s agricultural economy requires additional research on new and developing agricultural
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uses, expanded outreach to, and linkages with, regional partners and cooperative engagement
with private and public interests. One objective of this effort would be to learn more about new
markets for agricultural products and production that includes:
a. Pharmaceuticals
b. Textiles
c. Building supplies
d. Value-added food processing
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Appendix
A:
Action
Plan
Supplement
1. Integrate
Agriculture
Economic
Development
into
County
Government
A. Incorporate the FPP Action plan into the regular work of the Person County Agricultural
Advisory Board (PCAAB). This objective expands the duties of the PCAAB. The Board will take on the
responsibility of the administration of this plan with the support of county departments and the Ag EDO.
B. Hire an Ag. Economic Development Officer. This position would be a full time county employee and
follow the direction of the PCAAB. The position would be responsible for implementing many of the items
in the Action Plan. Below is an excerpt from Durham County’s Ag EDO job description:
“The incumbent will be responsible for the coordination of the Agriculture Economic Development
programs that provide continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses within Durham County.
The primary duties and responsibilities of the position will include; to develop, implement and manage
the programs as outlined in the Durham County Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation
Plan; serve as a liaison to the Durham Food Policy Council; assist agriculture producers with regulatory
compliance efforts as required by The Food Modernization & Safety Act (FMSA); educate the Durham
community on the benefits of local products; expand local marketing and branding opportunities for
Durham products; promote the Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD) program and assist farms that are
in permanent easements with regulatory compliance and transition efforts; and coordinate efforts between
local nonprofit organizations and Durham county to promote agriculture as an integral part of the
economy.”
C. Annually present the “State of Person County Agriculture” report to the County Commissioners.
The Ag EDO and the PCAAB Chairman will present at a county commissioner meeting the “State of
Person County Agriculture” annual report. This report will be posted and archived on the county web
site and a copy, or summary will be posted in a media outlet, such as the newspaper.
D. Annually review the Farmland Preservation Plan. The Ag EDO along with the PCAAB will review
the FPP on an annual basis. During this review process, any revisions or recommended changes shall be
adopted by the PCAAB and implemented by the Ag EDO, if approved.
2. Educate
New
Farmers
A. Work with Community Colleges & Universities on agriculture course offerings. Courses in
farming should be made available to students in and out of high school and to new farmers of all ages. The
Piedmont Community College (PCC) President has stated that he is willing to establish a new agricultural
program, only if sufficient interest can be demonstrated. PCC currently offers a horticulture program to
prisoners and it experiences good enrollment numbers. Community colleges have established service areas
and PCC should be the first point of contact for setting up a farm course, but if that does not work out,
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) has a successful track record and is the next best point of
contact. Model Program: CCCC is located in Pittsboro, which is a two-hour drive from southern Person
County, where many of the new farms in the county are locating. CCCC offers a successful and
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innovative program of agriculture courses in new, organic and traditional agriculture. PCC leadership
will be contacted about offering courses that are needed by Person County farmers.
B. Develop a beginning farmer resource guide for purchasing farmland and other information that
every new farmer needs to know about farming in Person Co. During the past decade, more than
ten new farms have been started in southern Person County. New farmers that were interviewed talked
about the many challenges they have faced. Making information available to new farmers will encourage
success, it will also connect these farmers with agencies (e.g., Soil & Water, Cooperative Extension, Tax
Office etc.), other farmers, educational opportunities, grant funding, and cost share programs.
C. Establish new farmer program with adjacent counties. This objective is a cooperative effort to offer
the NC State University Farm School Program on a rotational basis in this three county region.
D. Develop a funding mechanism for new agriculture based businesses. There are no monies allocated
to get a person started in farming other than farm loans. Farm loans can be obtained through the USDA
Farm Service Agency, Farm Credit or local banks. For special projects there may be grants available but
very rarely for startup costs. Offer a grant program or a new venture funding award program.
E. Develop a “veteran to farmer” program. Recognizing the value of introducing (or reintroducing)
veterans to agricultural jobs will strengthen Person County as a rural community and expand economic
development.
F. Establish a Farm Internship Program for FFA students. When there were more farms in Person
County and more farm kids in the classroom, there were plenty of opportunities for students to work on a
farm after school and during the summer. As the number of farms has decreased, so have internship
opportunities. There are students who are interested in working on a farm. FFA teachers in the county
will champion this program, but they cannot do it on their own. Farm associations in the county will be
able to find farmers who will allow students to do an internship. Forms will need to be designed to
formalize the process and to make certain that participating farmers do not incur extra liability. The NC
Future Farmers of America organization will be able to offer guidance for establishing this program.
Model Program: Durham and Johnston County FFA programs.
G. Work with schools to strengthen FFA. FFA teachers in the county regularly invite speakers into their
classroom. It would help to have a formal speaker bureau for farming and forestry. The PCAAB will work
with the forestry and different agriculture associations to identify speakers for the bureau.
3. Enable
Agriculture-‐‑Supportive
Planning
A. Adopt land use and design standards that focus on land preservation and agriculture
sustainability. The Planning and Zoning Department provides a broad range of current and long-range
data and tools including land design, land use, transportation, open space and environmental planning
that can be utilized to facilitate farmland preservation and enhance the environment for farm-related
economic development. They include:
- Developing a discrete set of criteria to map locations of lands that are most suitable for farming and
most threatened to be lost
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- Reviewing and modifying the County Ordinance to ensure that land uses and dimensional
requirements are not in conflict with the goals and objectives of the FPP
- Educating farmers about environmental and land use rules and how to comply with these proactively
- Introducing farmers and others associated with building our local agriculture and value-added
agricultural economy, about the resources available to them from planning-related sources for
funding and technical assistance
B. Produce a farmland and land development suitability map. A Development Suitability Study
(DSS) will help residents and officials to identify lands for development and preservation. The DSS will
also be used to identify the best zones for agriculture and other uses. The data and maps produced by the
Study will help us to administer a land parcel ranking system, which is recommended for any easement
program that distributes funds. Setting priorities helps to ensure that every applicant is evaluated in a
consistent manner. This approach can also be used to satisfy eligibility requirements for state and federal
matching funds.
4. Economic
Development
and
Agriculture
Infrastructure
Each idea listed below has had at least one successful launch in North Carolina. Many of these ideas were also
attempted in other locations where they failed. Any facility for food such as a processing center requires an
engineered design, permits, high costs and a long timeline from start to finish.
The track record for vegetable cooperatives in this state has been one of inconsistencies. For every successful
vegetable cooperative, several others have failed. Every good cooperative has a strong board and paid director.
On a year-to-year basis the numbers of farmers who grow and sell annual crops of vegetables and flowers,
changes frequently. These factors equate to a crop that can be very profitable one year and result in a loss the
next. These factors point to the fact that in a given year many farmers are willing to participate in a vegetable
cooperative and one to two years later the numbers can be greater, or nonexistent. If a planned facility is based
just on vegetables, the participating farmers need to have “skin in the game,” in the form of personal cash
investment. This approach will encourage participation for the long term, and minimize individuals who can
easily abandon the operation following one season of bad crops and low prices.
Model Project #1: Eastern Carolina Organics (ECO) is a whole distributor of Carolina organic farm
produce to retailers, restaurants and buying clubs. As a farmer-owned organization, eighty percent of sales go
right back to the growers. By aggregating produce from several farmers, ECO is able to meet the demand of
larger buyers. ECO was started in 2004 by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association with funding from a
Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant.
Model Project #2: The Piedmont Food & Agriculture Processing Center (PFAPC) in Hillsborough was
built in 2010. Funding for this facility came from the three sources listed in the next paragraph. The PFAPC
proved to be complex and expensive. The facility director at that time was Dr. Noah Ranells, and he would be
a good contact for project advisement. Dr. Ranells can be reached at the North Carolina A&T State
University, Small Farm Agribusiness & Marketing Center.
A. Establish a farmer’s cooperative for wholesale product sales. Many farmers who were interviewed
talked about the need for a vegetable cooperative in the county. Large wholesale buyers including grocery
stores make purchase based upon meeting minimum volume standards that most individual farmers
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cannot meet. A cooperative enhanced with county branding and marketing would create increased supply
capability and demand for Person County farm products.
B. Build a refrigeration facility for vegetable and meat storage. The farm cooperative will need product
storage. Model Project: Contact staff of the NC ADFP to find out the latest on funding and
construction of these types of facilities in North Carolina.
C. Build a livestock sale facility. There used to be a livestock facility near Roxboro, but it closed down
several years ago. This facility was used for sorting groups of market hogs onto truckloads. The facility
closed due to decreasing animal numbers. A feasibility study may be warranted to determine the need for
such a facility in the county. The level of interest of both livestock producers and buyers would determine
the successfulness of such a project. Because of the diversity of livestock species in Person County, a
facility would need to be able to handle multiple species. Any facility built should be able to handle
multiple uses, such as educational programs and livestock shows. Model Program: The Duplin County
Livestock Facility in Kenansville, N.C.
D. Seek a meat processor to locate in or near Person County for cattle and larger animals. Today
there are more than 7,000 cattle, a bison farm and other livestock operations in Person County. Many of
these animals are taken to meat processing facilities in Caswell and other counties, which means a lot of
farm economy is leaving Person County. The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project based out of
Asheville, NC did a study, which led to construction of a modern livestock facility. A copy of that study
can be found on their web site at: http://asapconnections.org/downloads/asap-large-animal-
meat-processing-feasibility-in-wnc.pdf. Any facility built in Person County needs to include the
capability of handling large animals including bison and be able to produce value-added products such as
hot dogs and smoked meats. Due to the costs this type of project will only be attempted with the support of
other counties in the region. A representative of each type of livestock operation in the county will be
included in the planning process. Model Program: The Cruse Meat Handling Facility in Cabarrus
County.
E. Obtain access for Person County farmers to the South Boston Cannery. The Tri-County
Community Action Agency, Inc., of South Boston, Virginia will be contacted to ask about use by Person
County farmers and food processors.
5. Grow
Agritourism
A. Continue to promote the annual farm tour of Person County. The Person County Museum of
History and Person County Cooperative Extension organized three farm tours in 2012-2014. These tours
have been loosely based on the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) model with the tours being
self-guided and offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons; an average of 15 sites participated. Now may
be the time to evaluate the design of the farm tour for effectiveness on promoting farms while trying to
reduce work, stress, and time requirements on the farmers. Furthermore, incorporating locally grown
products into a meal for participants may need to be studied. Model Program: High Country Farm
Tour in Watauga and Caldwell Counties. The web site on that tour is: http://farmtour.brwia.org/ .
B. Complete and promote the quilt trail. Collaborate with adjacent counties to expand the quilt trail as a
regional trail. Additional funding for marketing can be sought through grants and the TDA. Model
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Program: Tar River Quilt Trail in Counties along the Tar River. The web site is:
http://www.fcacarts.org/quilt_trails_of_the_tar_river.aspx. Model Program: Quilt Trails of Western
NC covers areas from Asheville up the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information on this trail the web
site is: http://www.quilttrailswnc.org/.
C. Increase the total miles of horse trails in the county. There are an estimated 2,000 horses in Person
County. There are several training and boarding facilities and a show facility located in the northern part
of the county. Many horse enthusiasts are concerned about the decreasing amount of land on which to ride
horses. Additionally, many horse enthusiasts currently trailer horses just over the line into Durham
County to ride at Hill Forest. Developing horse trails may be beneficial to keep current horseback riders in
the county while drawing new riders to Person County. Increasing the horseback riders in the county
could also help the local economy. Support would need to come from a large interested group of
enthusiasts, not limited to horseback riders, in order to maintain trails throughout the county.
6. Promote
Land
Protection
A. Conduct an annual conservation and cost share workshop for all landowners. Workshops such as
these can help educate farmers to different programs available and various conservation methods. Model
Program: Wake Soil & Water Conservation District, Lee Soil & Water Conservation District and
Buncombe Soil & Water Conservation District.
B. Increase VAD and NC Century Farm Program participation. These programs help to unify farmers
and foresters. In addition, these programs build community, increase pride in these professions and
demonstrate their impact to the County Commissioners. In every county one agency provides
administrative support to the VAD and normally works on sign-ups for the Century Farm Program.
Often this one agency handles all recruitment and sign-ups. Employees of agricultural agencies that do
not work with these programs may not be aware of them. Conducting a meeting once a year with all
agriculture and forestry agency personnel to talk about these programs, will increase landowner
recruitment. Model Program: Buncombe, Cabarrus, Franklin and Moore Counties.
C. Adopt an EVAD ordinance. Person County adopted a Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD)
Ordinance on February 7, 2011. The EVAD can also adopted by county ordinance and offers additional
benefits as a stepped-up version of the VAD. The EVAD offers landowners extra protection with a ten-
year renewable commitment that includes additional benefits to the landowner, such as higher cost share
rates for installing best management practices. Adopting a Person County EVAD ordinance would
simply give landowners an additional choice for protecting their land. Model Programs: Gaston and
Polk counties.
D. Work with Co. Commissioners on establishing a PACE program supported by PUV rollback
funds. Rollback funds are paid to the county by landowners who remove land from farming and forestry,
so that it can be developed. Model Program: The Alamance County commissioners on an annual basis
have committed rollback funds into a county account used as a match for state and federal easement
matching funds. Each year applications are accepted and several landowners have been paid to leave their
farm in agriculture on a permanent basis. These funds provide those farmers working capital to pay down
debt and expand for profitability.
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7. Expand
Agriculture
Outreach
and
Marketing
A. Establish & promote community gardens. The average American is five to seven generations removed
from the farm and many have never raised a garden. Community gardens can also be used as an
educational tool for students. Currently, Person County has one established community garden that is
operated by the non-profit organization Special Populations Enrichment, Education and Employment
Department (SPEEED). Model Programs: Polk County, NC Office of Agricultural Economic
Development and the Forsyth County, NC Community Gardener Program.
B. Work on a county agricultural marketing collaboration with border counties to promote Person
County agriculture that is organic and locally grown. Border counties with large urban areas are
home to many businesses that place a premium on the purchase of local and organic agriculture. This
objective is designed to increase access to those markets.
- A billboard to promote Person County agriculture & forestry. A billboard on a primary road in
the county will communicate to the masses, the value of these industries to the county. Public officials
and citizens need to be reminded of the dollars and employment generated by agriculture.
- County agritourism web site. Orange County, NC has a model web site for promoting agriculture
and agritourism.
- Person County Farm Products Booth. Multiple Person County farmers have sold product at
farmers’ markets, both in and out of the county. Having one booth manned by multiple individuals,
can benefit multiple farms through economy of scale. Model Program: Polk County has successfully
operated an out of county farm products booth in Asheville, NC.
- A brochure on Person County amenities in hard copy, on the web and as a smart phone app, is
needed to maximize marketing of Person County agriculture and agritourism. Model Programs:
Orange County, NC has excelled at promoting local agriculture online. State of Virginia Welcome
Centers distribute brochures that promote local agriculture.
- Annual food theme festival. A food themed festival would be a good way to market Person County
agriculture and to educate the public on its value to the local economy.
- Agriculture marketing campaign. Many high earning, urban residents are willing to pay a
premium for value-added agriculture, in the form of organic and locally grown agriculture. These
same residents are exposed to lots of marketing, which means that Person County farmers can benefit
by making an investment in advertising.
C. Market Person County agriculture to attract retirees. Every year there are new retirees looking to
relocate, many of them are seeking a slower pace of life, they have money to spend, are highly educated and
are consumers who place a high value on locally grown agriculture. Convincing retirees to move here will
grow the agribusiness economy.
D. Conduct a marketing & education campaign on benefits of buying local agriculture products
targeting Person County residents. Many citizens do not understand the benefits of supporting the
economy through buying local or the benefits of eating fresh products. In addition, farmers’ market
customers do not place a high value on buying organic. A marketing campaign would help out in both of
these areas.
E. Maximize the profitability and outreach of the two farmers’ markets in Roxboro. If leadership of
the two farmers’ markets in Roxboro could work together, it would benefit Person County agriculture.
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These markets were established at different times, with different rules and each serves a unique client
base. Unsuccessful attempts have been made to establish a working relationship between the two markets
in the past. This approach that is bring recommended is to bring in a neutral party to chair a committee,
or contract for a study with emphasis on:
- shared marketing
- enhancing market events
- using SNAP
The customer base in Person County can be increased with two marketing campaigns, one targeting
county residents and the other to bordering counties. Additionally, the two farmers’ markets could run an
education campaign on supporting the economy by buying local agriculture. A work group, or a study
could identify new components to enhance the experience at each farmers’ market that will make each of
them a destination worth repeating on a regular basis. These components could include cooking classes,
music and EBT.
Roxboro City Market. This is the older of the two farmers’ markets in Roxboro, it operates on a city
parking lot along Depot Street. This market was estimated by city staff to have been started over 30 years
ago. This market falls under authority of the Roxboro City Council. Two key council members to contact
for additional information and to initiate a dialogue, are Henry Daniels who helped to start the market
and William Davis, Mayor Pro Tem.
Person County Market. The Person County Farmers Market at 601 N. Madison Blvd. was started in
2009 with grant funding. This market is under the direction of an elected board and hired manager.
F. Pursue selling farm products & setting-up an agriculture education booth at arts, parks,
festivals & sporting events. Other communities are seeing success of farmers selling product at county
sponsored events. Model Program: Farm produce sales at baseball games of the Thomasville, N.C.
Copperheads. A grant from the NC Department of Agriculture ADFP Trust Fund was used to pay for
the necessary infrastructure.
8. Forestry
Opportunities
A. Educate the public on the economic value of forestry and proper forestry management. Forestry
is not recognized for its economic contribution, employment numbers and environmental stewardship.
The Caswell County Area Forestry Association conducts several educational trainings each year. Forestry
businesses, the NC Forestry Association and NC Forest Service are willing to provide technical assistance
and support for educational efforts. NC Forest Service personal could write a monthly newspaper article
on forestry related topics.
B. Evaluate local N.C. Forest Service staffing needs. The county is only meeting half of its forestry
production capability with heavy demand for technical services by consultants and the NC Forest Service
staff. Currently there are two employees in the Forest Service Office in Roxboro. The NC Forestry Service
and Person County share the cost of maintaining the county forestry office. The NC Forest Service
District Office should be contacted with a request to do a personnel study on Person County.
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C. Contact military representatives to promote Person County farm & forestland for training. Every
branch of the military has a base in North Carolina. Urban encroachment limits training space for soldiers
and they are always seeking rural lands to rent and lease for training. NC Farm Bureau has a long track
record of working with the military on these types of issues in North Carolina. Chester Lowder who works
at FB Headquarters in Raleigh is a good point of contact. Once details are worked out, landowner
workshops will be conducted to educate them on options to consider and how the process works.
D. Conduct a forestry potential and capacity report. Forestry consultants stated during the interview
process that many Person County landowners are guilty of poor tree stand management. Everett Titus is
a Forestry Procurement Officer who works at the Louisiana Pacific OSB plant in Roxboro. During the
interview process Mr. Titus talked about the fact that Person County forestry production has the potential
to be doubled with better management. Increased production will increase revenues, employment and
generate additional tax revenue. A work group with Everett Titus, agency professionals and NCSU
forestry staff should be asked to set-up a work group that will prepare a report with recommendations that
will be presented to the PCAAB and the Person County Commissioners.
9. Provide
Networking
and
Education
to
Existing
Farmers
A. Organize an annual farmer appreciation event. It is important to recognize agriculture as a viable
economic contributor to the county. One way is by honoring farmers at an annual appreciation event.
This event will give commissioners, local agricultural leaders, agribusinesses and farmers a chance to
network and discuss agriculture related topics. Model Programs: Stokes County Farmer Appreciation
Night, Rowan County Farmer Appreciation Breakfast, Orange County Agricultural Summit.
B. Establish an annual schedule of farmer educational forums. During interviews farmers and
foresters talked about topics that they would like to know more about. Below is a list of those topics.
- Agritourism Opportunities in North Carolina
- Cost Share Programs For Farms and Forestry
- Crop Insurance Opportunities
- DMV Regulation for Agriculture and Forestry
- Effective Marketing of Agriculture
- Estate Planning
- Farmland Preservation and Conservation Easements
- Farm Transition To The Next Generation
- Good Agriculture Practices training
- Managing and Selling Forestry Tracts For Maximum Profit
- New Farmer Training
- New Opportunities in Agriculture
- Networking With Famers, Agencies and Organizations To Increase Profits
- Organic Certification
- Operating a CSA, Community Support Agriculture
- Opportunities for Leasing Land To Farm
- Opportunities in Agriculture That Support the Horse Industry
- Product Liability Concerns and Solutions
- Profiting From A Hunting Lease
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- Selling and Marketing Firewood
- The Impacts of Environmental Regulations For Farming and Forestry
- The Pros and Cons of Solar Farms
- Using Tobacco Greenhouses To Generate Additional Income
- Value Added Agriculture
C. Establish FFA Alumni organization. A National FFA Alumni Affiliate helps to rally the local
community around agricultural education and FFA activities. FFA alumni affiliates also provide a
helping hand to FFA advisors in coordinating activities for the local FFA chapters.
D. Establish the Person County Area Hobby Farm Association. The managers of Southern States and
Tractor Supply stated that a large and growing customer base are the owners of hobby farms. Many of
these are first time farmers, some are young and have limited resources, others are retired professionals
who left a career and have money to spend. All of these individuals have questions and need assistance.
An association would grow this market and help hobby farms to be successful.
E. Conduct an annual Landowner Workshop. An annual workshop will be conducted by government
agency personnel to educate landowners on grants, the VAD, EVAD, PUV, NC Century Farm Program
and cost share programs. Model Programs: Cabarrus Soil & Water Conservation District, Moore Soil
& Water Conservation District and Wake County, NC.
F. Evaluate land lease options and the number of rental properties available to farmers in the
county. New and existing farmers need land to lease for their operations and housing for their workers.
The number of properties available is scarce or farmers are unaware of opportunities. Efforts to establish a
unified listing of available land/rental properties would be beneficial.
10. Facilitate
Farm
Transitions
A. Conduct an annual farm transitions workshop. An annual workshop will be conducted by
government agency personnel to educate landowners on estate planning, taxation, conservation easements
and planning for the future of their land. Model Programs: Cabarrus Soil & Water Conservation
District, Moore Soil & Water Conservation District and Wake County, NC.
B. Conduct seminars for realtors, attorneys, and paralegals on farmland transactions. Most land
transactions involved an attorney and a real estate agent. Some attorneys and real estate agents have
minimal knowledge of PUV, the VAD and the available conservation programs. Not knowing about these
programs can result in landowners purchasing land with limitations and added costs. The goal of this
objective will be to educate attorney and real estate agents from all of the NC boundary counties of Person
County. These workshops will present information about programs that will help their clients and in turn
help new landowners and these programs successful. The Office of the State Bar and NC Realtors
Association will be contacted to see if participating in this course can include continuing education
credits.
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Appendix
B:
FPP
Survey
Instrument
A survey instrument was designed by the FPP Leadership team with nine questions about Peron
County agriculture. This survey was distributed at several events and below is a summary of the
results.
How important is agriculture to the Person County economy?
77% responded “extremely” and 23% responded “very”
How important is forestry to the Person County economy?
70% responded “extremely” and 26% responded “very”
How concerned are you about the loss of farmland in the county?
61% responded “extremely” and 31% responded “very”
You feel that Agriculture and Forestry will continue to make significant contributions to the Person
County economy over the next:
5 & 10 years? 100% responded “Yes”
20 years or long? 96% responded “Yes”
What are the three biggest challenges that you face as a farmer, or landowner?
60% responded “Farm Transfer - One Generation to The Next”
50% responded “Production Costs”
48% responded “Residential/Commercial Development” & “Cost of Farmland”
Rank the top three reasons you are interested in preserving farmland in Person County.
58% responded “Quality of Life”
50% responded “Food Security”
33% responded “Tourism/Attractiveness of The County”
If Person County were to receive grant money to preserve farmland, how would you like to see that
money spent?
50% responded “Creating a Person County Brand, or Other Marketing Strategy”
50% responded “Educating Youth About Farming”
36% responded “Incorporating Ag./Forestry Into Economic Development”
35% responded “Incorporate the Farmland Preservation Plan Into Co. Master Plan”
Are you interested in learning about conservation easements & tax credits? 96% - Yes
Should there be an Enhanced Voluntary Ag. District program in by Person Co.?
100% responded “Yes” there should be an EVAD and 94% “Yes” I will participate.
General question, one response was “FFA needs to focus more on vocational education to develop
young farmers for working with livestock.”
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38
FPP Survey Instrument continued
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39
Appendix
C:
Key
Points
from
Interviews
More than 200 people were interviewed during the course of pulling this plan together and each one
was asked what is needed to enhance future sustainability of Person County farming and forestry.
Many farmers expressed praise for ongoing agency efforts and shared individual success stories.
Almost all of the residents who were interviewed stated they place high value on the rural lifestyle,
which is a byproduct of successful agriculture. Below are the most common concerns and ideas
expressed.
- Agriculture is one of the main economic engines in Person County.
- What kind of agriculture is best suited for Person County?
- How will the majority of our farmers prepare for future success?
- Why are so many new farming operations coming into the south end of the county?
- How many of the new farms that come into the county are profitable within five years?
- What do these new farms need most of all to be successful?
- What is the most effective way to introduce new ideas for farming into the county?
- Person County vegetable farmers need a vegetable cooperative.
- It is a proven fact that selling vegetables at baseball games can generate income.
- Income from the average Person County forestry tract will double with better management.
- How many farmers will continue raising tobacco?
- There are two competing and very different farmer markets in Roxboro.
- More income is generated by local farm product sold at farm markets outside the county, then at
the two markets in Roxboro. What can be done to increase Person County sales?
- What is the best and highest use of each land tract in the county?
- More than 2,000 horses are in Person County today, what does that mean for the future?
- Will the next generation supply enough farmers and foresters to keep Person County’s largest
economic engine running, or will this part of the economy diminish over time?
- Farming and forestry are no longer a blue-collar professions. It is important for a farmer to be
educated, networking and constantly aware of market changes.
- How many Person County landowners are interested in conservation easements?
- What is the best solution to farm labor shortages?
- What is being done to integrate bike trails, sporting events, bed and breakfast establishments and
signage into growing the Person County market for agriculture?
- What impact are environmental regulations having on Person County agriculture?
- Access to affordable land is a challenge for most farmers.
- Will more Person County agriculture be local grown and organic in the future?
- How many landowners are enrolled in the VAD and Present Use Value taxation?
- Is every 100-year-old farm in the county enrolled in the NC Century Farm Program?
- Who benefits most from the clean water that is leaving Person County farms and forests?
- Will conventional farms keep getting bigger over time?
- Are solar farms a good, or bad long-term use of the land?
- How can a young person who does not grow-up on a family farm, learn the trade?
- The FFA program in Person County has declined, how can it be improved?
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- What is the best option for transitioning my farm to the next generation, so that it remains both
profitable and not lost due to taxes owed?
- CES and NRCS are losing employees through budget cuts and new program priorities, is there
anything that we can do at the local level to slow, or stop this loss?
- Agribusinesses depend heavily upon the technical advice and expertise of farm agencies.
- How much longer will there be an adequate labor force for Person County farms?
- I have farmed all of my life, with today’s lower profit margins and higher input costs, it would be
impossible for me to start over in farming again and achieve what I have today.
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Appendix
D:
Grant
Resources
The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) houses the N.C. Division of
Soil and Water Conservation and NC Forest Service, with staff in every county. Programs administered
through NCDA&CS are in place to protect farmland and assist with sustainable farming, agritourism,
marketing, soils analysis, fertilization, crops and limiting liability. Following is a listing of several
program areas:
• Agriculture Cost Share Programs to fund water quantity and water quality initiatives on
farmland. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund provides funding
for agricultural infrastructure, planning for agriculture at the county level, and purchase of
conservation easements on farms and forestland. The Fund develops purchase of agricultural
conservation easements (PACE) programs and offers matching funds for PACE easements, with
preference to any county that has adopted a countywide farmland preservation plan.
• Agritourism Networking Association
• Agronomic Services (crop management, soil testing, nutrient advisement and animal waste
analysis)
• Forestry Cost Share Programs
• Marketing Assistance, including listings in a statewide Agricultural Directory
• Regulatory Authority for pesticides, livestock and crop disease management, food recalls,
weights and scales
• State Farmer Markets and State Fairs
• Technical Assistance as it relates to farming and forestry
• Voluntary Agriculture District and Century Farm program over sight
The Tobacco Trust Fund (TTF) provides grant funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental
entities across the state, to facilitate transiting farms from tobacco to other types of agriculture. TTF
publishes an annual report of all projects that have been approved. Agencies that are listed in this
report are a good resource for advisement with the TTF grant application process. A list of projects
funded and current application guidelines can be found on their web page.
The Golden Leaf Foundation (GLF) awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities
across North Carolina. Grant funding focuses on farms and communities that have been impacted by
the loss of tobacco. County agencies listed in this report can assist with any grant application to the
TTF. A list of projects funded and current application guidelines can be found on their web page.
The Tar River Land Conservancy (TLC) is based in Louisburg. TLC is the primary non-profit land
stewardship organization in an eight county region that includes Person County. TLC works to
preserve land in the Tar River Basin. This work is accomplished by working with landowners and
agencies who are interested in a conservation easement.
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Appendix
E:
Planning
Tools
for
Farm
&
Forestland
Preservation
Protection
Tool
Definition
Benefits
Drawbacks
Applicability/Status
Person
County
Comprehensive
Plan
Guiding
vision
of
what
a
community
wants
to
be
in
the
future
and
a
strategy
for
achieving
that.
An
organized
way
to
identify
productive
farmland
and
set
growth
and
preservation
goals.
Serves
as
basis
for
land
use
regulations.
Not
legally
binding
may
be
changed
or
ignored
by
officials
as
they
rule
on
development
proposals.
Person
County
does
not
have
a
plan
and
currently
is
using
the
“Land
Use
Plan”
model
from
the
1990’s.
Differential
Assessment
Taxation
of
farmland
based
on
its
agricultural
use
rather
than
its
development
value.
Modest
incentive
to
keep
land
in
commercial
farming.
Also
benefits
land
speculators
waiting
to
develop
land.
Tax
benefits
through
Present
Use
Tax
Valuation
are
available
to
farmers
and
must
be
applied
for.
Additional
tax
benefits
are
available
to
stimulate
farm
level
investment
through
income
tax
credits.
Right-‐‑to-‐‑
Farm
Laws
According
to
NC
General
Statute
106-‐701:
1. Definition
of
agriculture
2. One-‐‑Year
of
Operation
3. Sound
ag
practices
determination
Strengthens
the
ability
of
farmers
to
defend
themselves
against
nuisance
suits.
Shields
farmers
from
excessively
restrictive
local
laws
and
unwanted
public
infrastructure.
Available
to
all
farms
in
the
State.
Not
meant
to
shield
from
all
legal
disputes
with
neighbors.
Does
not
stop
complaints
from
non-‐‑farm
neighbors.
May
not
protect
major
changes
in
farm
operations
or
new
operations.
These
protections
are
afforded
to
farmland
to
all
farms
in
the
State
under
North
Carolina
State
Law.
Person
County,
with
State
authorization,
may
adopt
a
more
stringent
Right-‐‑To-‐‑
Farm
Ordinance
to
protect
against
specious
nuisance
claims.
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43
Protection
Tool
Definition
Benefits
Drawbacks
Applicability/Status
Person
County
Agricultural
Districts
(VAD,
EVAD)
Designation
of
an
area
of
viable
agricultural
land.
Initiated
and
self-‐‑
selected
by
landowners,
adopted
by
county.
Eligibility,
minimum
acreage
is
determined
by
each
county.
Land
can
go
in
and
out
at
any
time.
Not
tied
to
agricultural
assessment.
Farmed
land
within
district
is
provided
a
minimum
level
of
protection
from
nuisance
claims
and
public
condemnation
processes.
Enhanced
districts
allow
for
additional
benefits
including
a
higher
level
of
protection.
Area
defined
by
willing
landowners
and
has
no
real
longevity
as
a
protection
tool.
Person
County
has
enrolled
26,500
acres
in
the
VAD
Program.
Enrolled
properties
can
be
identified
as
targets
for
permanent
preservation
due
to
their
productive
soils
and
operating
characteristics.
Agricultural
Zoning
Zoning
that
allows
residential
development
at
a
rate
of
one
unit
per
20
acres
or
lower
in
a
predominantly
farming
area.
Ideally,
the
allowed
density
can
be
built
on
much
smaller
lots
rather
than
large
lots
with
each
residence.
Limits
non-‐‑farm
development
in
areas
intended
for
agricultural
use.
Can
protect
large
areas
of
farmland
at
low
public
cost.
Local
government
can
rezone
land.
Landowners
may
complain
about
loss
of
‘equity
value’
if
land
values
have
begun
to
escalate
due
to
development
pressure.
Unincorporated
areas
of
the
County
are
zoned
RC,
which
is
the
least
restrictive
available.
This
provides
no
specific
protection
for
commercial
farming
operations.
As
land
use
changes
to
include
more
suburban
homes,
this
may
become
a
serious
challenge
to
agricultural
operations.
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44
Protection
Tool
Definition
Benefits
Drawbacks
Applicability/Status
Person
County
Purchase
of
Development
Rights
(PDR)
Voluntary
separation
and
sale
of
the
development
rights
from
land
in
exchange
for
a
permanent
conservation
easement.
Typically
paid
difference
between
restricted
value
and
fair
market
value.
Land
remains
in
private
ownership
and
on
tax
rolls.
Provides
permanent
protection
of
farmland
and
puts
cash
into
farm
and
farm
economy.
Public
cost
may
be
high.
Combined
with
being
voluntary,
it
may
be
difficult
to
protect
a
critical
mass
of
farmland.
Person
County
does
not
have
a
Purchase
of
Development
Rights
program.
Funding
would
need
to
be
set-‐‑
aside
in
the
annual
budget
to
implement
a
program.
Transfer
of
Development
Rights
(TDR)
Voluntary
separation
and
sale
of
development
rights
from
land
in
one
part
of
a
jurisdiction
to
be
used
to
increase
density
in
another
part.
Conservation
easement
placed
on
sending
parcel.
Developers
compensate
farmland
owners.
Creates
permanent
protection
of
farmland
and
shifts
some
costs
to
private
sector.
Difficult
to
establish
and
administer.
Opposition
by
landowners
in
receiving
areas.
Needs
to
be
an
integral
part
of
a
jurisdiction’s
growth
management
strategy
at
a
time
that
sending
area
resources
are
relatively
intact
and
intensification
of
receiving
areas
is
feasible.
Land
values,
development
regulations
and
congestion
in
the
Triangle
and
Triad
along
with
changing
consumer
preferences
and
workplace
requirements,
make
Person
County
increasingly
attractive
to
developers.
One
tool
to
help
balance
our
goals
would
be
the
creation
of
a
county-‐‑wide
TDR.
Currently
no
real
means
to
utilize
development
rights
as
an
incentive
exists.
A
county-‐‑
wide
TDR
program
would
be
enhanced
by
agreements
with
Roxboro
and
Durham
and
Orange
counties.
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45
Protection
Tool
Definition
Benefits
Drawbacks
Applicability/Status
Person
County
Private
Land
Trusts
Local
non-‐‑profit
501.c
(3)
corporations
designed
to
identify
resources
to
be
protected,
accept
permanent
conservation
easements
from
landowners,
and
monitor
their
provisions
through
time.
Can
provide
permanent
land
protection.
Can
forge
public-‐‑
private
partnerships.
Greatly
facilitate
the
donation
of
conservation
easements
from
landowners
able
to
benefit
from
income
tax
benefits.
Private
land
trusts
rarely
have
funds
to
buy
easements.
Conservation
deals
sometimes
based
on
allowing
limited
development.
May
create
islands
of
protection
rather
than
a
critical
mass
of
contiguous
lands.
Unless
specifically
designed
for
agricultural
protection,
farming
may
be
virtually
impossible
on
conservation
easements
designed
for
other
purposes.
Land
Trusts
that
may
be
utilized
are:
• Conservation
Trust
for
North
Carolina
• Black
Family
Land
Trust
• Tar
River
Land
Conservancy
• Piedmont
Land
Conservancy
Conservation
Easements
A conservation easement is a voluntary recorded legal agreement between a landowner and a land
trust or governmental agency. Depending upon how an easement is written, it is a temporary or
permanent development restriction on the land. Ownership is maintained and the land may be sold or
passed to heirs; however, future owners must abide by the easement. The landowner retains all rights
allowing them to continue to farm and practice forestry on their land.
A landowner can simply donate development rights with no compensation or they can be compensated
based on the value of the land minus its restricted value. Whether rights are purchased or donated,
most landowners get a combination of tax benefits and payment. A bargain sale occurs when the
landowner is paid for a partial valuing of the easement and the remaining value is used for favorable
tax treatment for any permanent easement. These are known as Purchase of Agricultural Conservation
Easement (PACE) or Purchase of Development Rights (PDR). Funding comes from the Federal
government’s program, but requires a match that can be met with a combination of State program
funds and local or the landowner’s in-kind donation. Currently, the Natural Resource Conservation
Service and N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are the primary funding sources.
The Tar River Land Conservancy and partnering agencies have protected many acres of farmland
through the use of easements.
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The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides matching funds for the purchase of
conservation easements. Some farms in the state have already benefited from this program, which
changes with each update of the Federal Farm Bill. Application for this program is made through the
NRCS field office in Roxboro.
The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFP) was established within
the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 1985. Funding is available through the
ADFP for three purposes: purchase of temporary and permanent easements on farms and forestland,
agricultural infrastructure projects, and military projects. Having the County Farmland Preservation
Plan in place (this document) gives farmers and the county a lower match requirement and more
favorable points ranking in seeking grant funds.
Any easement program that distributes funds should be administered with a land parcel ranking
system. Setting priorities helps ensure that every applicant is evaluated in a consistent manner. This
approach can also be used to satisfy eligibility requirements for state and federal matching funds. All
North Carolina counties that have secured outside easement funding have a ranking system in place.
Alamance, Buncombe and Orange are three examples of counties that can share their form with Person
County.
Any landowner, who chooses to place a conservation easement on their property, is the grantor. The
grantor must find a stewardship organization, such as the Soil and Water Conservation District or a
land trust such as the Tar River Land Conservancy, to inspect their property on an annual basis. The
stewardship organization is known as the easement holder.
In every situation, the landowners should consult a qualified attorney or accountant for legal advice
on taxes, estate planning and future restrictions of the land.
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Appendix
F:
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the landowners, farmers, foresters, organizations, agencies, businesses, and citizens
who generously shared their time and knowledge for this project.
Person County Farmland Preservation Plan Leadership Team:
Claudia Berryhill, DVM Nancy McCormick
Elizabeth Zander James Pentecost
Michael Ciriello George O’Neal
Bruce Whitfield Jimmy Clayton
Sallie Vaughn Jack Pleasant
Phillip Reams Tina Vernon
Paul Westfall Kim Woods
Bernard Obie Sybil Tate
Brent Bogue
Organizations:
Roxboro Community School FFA County Beekeepers Association
Piedmont Conservation Council Long Memorial United Methodist Church
Person County Farmers Market Tar River Land Conservancy
Person County Farm Bureau The Christian Help Center
Beulah Baptist Association Roxboro Farmers Market
Carolina Farm Credit Bushy Fork Grange
Kerr-Tar COG
Government Agencies:
Person Soil and Water Conservation District Person County Community College
Person County Recreation, Arts and Parks Person County Health Department
Person County Cooperative Extension Person County Economic Development
Person County Planning Department Voluntary Agricultural District
Person County Health Department Person County Public Library
Person County Tax Office USDA Farm Service Agency
Person County Schools NC Forest Service
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
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