HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-2026 Meeting Minutes AABPerson County Agricultural Advisory Board Minutes
Person County Agricultural Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Minutes – April 22, 2026
Person County Office Building ~ 304 S. Morgan St., Roxboro ~
Members: Present Staff/Advisors:Present
Others Present:
Quorum Yes
Welcome: Chair Hunter Thomas welcomed everyone in attendance and called the meeting to order at
5:30 pm. Chip Stone, new Ag Advisory Board Member, was introduced.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the September 17, 2025 meeting were read and approved as
presented.
Board Updates: Board members were made aware of the Farmland Preservation Advocacy Day that
will happen on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. This would be an opportunity to speak directly with
legislators about the future of farmland preservation funding in North Carolina. If anyone is interested
in attending, they should contact Nancy McCormick for details.
Information was shared for North Carolina State VAD Conference that will be held in Cherokee, NC
from July 22-23, 2026. This conference is occurring to highlight VAD/EVAD program updates, best
practices, and public hearing and ordinance guidance. Board members who attend can be reimbursed
for expenses per county policies. The deadline to register is May 15, 2026.
Ordinance Updates: House Bill 126 passed revising GS 106-740 effective October 1st in regards to
public hearings required by the board. The Farmland Preservation Division will be conducting training
on the new requirements. After trainings, staff will be presenting an ordinance revision to conform
with the new legal requirements.
VAD/EVAD Programs: Current enrollment is:
• VAD – 35 Farms; 4,195.57 acres
• EVAD – 16 Farms; 2,591.98 acres
The following VAD application was presented:
• VAD – Charles Hall – 136.03 acres
Person County Agricultural Advisory Board Minutes
Bruce Whitfield moved to table the application due to the recent death of the applicant. Chip Stone
seconded. Motion passed.
ADFP Grant: The ADFP Agricultural Plans Grant in the amount of $8,500 has been received. Grant
funds are assisting in the revitalization and development of the VAD & EVAD programs by providing
funding for items such as new signage, updated brochures, farmer/landowner workshops, outreach
and publicity. The grant funds must be used by September 30, 2027.
Skyler Morris presented new brochures and signage; the board provided feedback which will be used
to finalize the products. Staff will provide final drafts at the next scheduled board meeting.
Agricultural Concerns/Discussion: A revision to the Solar Energy System Ordinance was presented to
the County Commissioners. This amendment failed but is expected to be brought up again after the
2026 election period.
Agricultural Agency Reports:
• EDC – Claudia Berryhill: The EDC is currently in search of a new director. In the meantime,
Bryan Eatmon is acting as lead for the department.
• Extension: Selena McKoy introduced herself and is currently acting as the interim director. June
1, 2026 is the potential start date for the new full-time director.
• FSA: Nothing to report.
• NRCS – Casey Harrington: Casey gave an update on NRCS programs.
• SWCD – Michael Thaggard: Limited cost share funds are still available.
Comments: None.
With no other business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned by Chair, Hunter Thomas at 6:42 pm.
Respectfully submitted and approved,
Nancy McCormick
Nancy McCormick, Recording Secretary
7.29.2026
Approved Date