Joint Meeting – May 27, 2008
Joint Meeting, Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
David R. Beyeler, Chairman
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Vice-Chairman
Nancy Taylor Sorrells
Wendell L. Coleman
Jeremy L. Shifflett
Gerald W. Garber
Larry C. Howdyshell
PRESENT: AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY BOARD:
William Patterson, Chairman
Keith Phillips, Vice-Chairman
William Bashaw, III
Jerry Cleveland
William Cole Heizer
Richard Reeves
ABSENT: Gary Martin
STAFF: Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney Tom Stanley, Extension Jason Carter, Extension VIRGINIA: At a joint meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors and the Agriculture Industry Board, held on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 6:30 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 232nd year of the Commonwealth….
David R. Beyeler, Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, called the meeting to order.
Pat Coffield provided overview of May 19, 2008 correspondence and background documents. Jason Carter introduced Farm Business Agent and highlighted services provided by the Augusta County Extension office and region.
Chairman Beyeler recognized Gerald Garber to initiate discussion.
Mr. Garber: Discussed role of Agriculture Industry Board (AIB) and importance to County.
Working farms are important and should be a goal. Economic Development study underway needs input of AIB and farm community.
Mr. Pyles: The Board does support agriculture irregardless of its position regarding PDRs and Agriculture Director. There are many issues discussed in Task Force Report needing further study by AIB.
Mr. Howdyshell: Need to educate the non-farm community of farm issues. The Board of Supervisors needs to work with AIB to promote sustainable agriculture production.
Mr. Coleman: Concern for disconnect within farm community. Differing views and priorities. Issues include PDRs, conservation easements, Agriculture Director, Extension, Agri-Business, Agri-Tourism, Agri-Marketing and farmland preservation.
Mr. Shifflett: Family has had a history of farming. Expressed concern for lack of farming opportunities for young farmers.
Ms. Sorrells: Board is supportive of Agriculture in Augusta County. Diverse opinions but past actions reflect support of farmland preservation. Balance of Agriculture Production, Industrial/Commercial development and Residential development where Comprehensive Plan visualizes. Opportunities for the AIB, Extension, and the Board of Supervisors. Need to develop Agri-niches and slaughter houses.
Chairman Beyeler: AIB needed for their ideas and suggestions. Input needed into Comprehensive Plan ordinance review. Excellent cross section of members. Extension Service can provide guidance and assistance.
* * * Chairman Patterson: Welcomed Board of Supervisors input. Need to support best management practices and support young farmers. Role of AIB to work with Extension to develop opportunities.
Jerry Cleveland: Agricultural heritage important. Many farmers have off-farm income and careers. Support of young farmers critical.
Keith Phillips: Appreciate Board of Supervisors support. Willing to work with Extension Service. Niche Agriculture exciting.
William Bashaw: Recognized efforts of Agriculture Task Force. County needs to support a framework to address goals and objectives. Need to support Comprehensive Plan goals.
Richard Reeves: Appreciative of Board’s input.
William Cole Heizer: Appreciated Board’s input and restated need to support future farmers (youth).
Jason Carter: Welcomed input of Board of Supervisors and AIB and welcomed opportunity to bring to the table the resources of Virginia Extension Services.
Tom Stanley: Echoed comments of Jason Carter. Extension Service staff can assist the County in agri-sustainability.
Chairman Beyeler thanked everyone present and adjourned the meeting.
Chairman County Administrator H:5-27jt.08
