Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting | March 17, 2026

Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting Recap – March 17, 2026

The Agricultural Advisory Board convened on March 17, 2026, for a comprehensive meeting focused on ongoing projects, program updates, and upcoming presentations to the Board of Commissioners. The meeting was attended by all board members and included updates from State Director Evan Davis regarding the Farmland Preservation Program. Notably, there were no public comments received during this session.

A key decision made was the unanimous approval of a renewal application for a Value Added Development (VAD) permit, belonging to Robert McCurry. This approval allows for continued development on his 40-acre property without significantly altering existing acreage or property numbers. The board also swiftly approved the minutes from their previous meeting held on February 17th, ensuring accurate record-keeping.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on a review and potential update to the Farmland Preservation Program ordinance, which hasn’t been fully revised in a decade. Recognizing this as a timely and necessary action, the board is actively reviewing a new draft ordinance recommended by the state. To facilitate efficient discussion and understanding, a “crosswalk” document will be created to clearly illustrate the proposed changes and their rationale. State Director Evan Davis is scheduled to virtually join the April meeting to address any questions or concerns regarding these proposed changes. Board members are tasked with reviewing the draft and red-lined copies of the ordinance prior to that meeting.

Beyond these key decisions, the board received detailed updates on a number of ongoing projects. Progress was highlighted in several areas including the AGZ Projects (Morgan to Wilson) where surveys are underway, and the anticipated closure of Kestrel Herb Farm within the coming weeks. The completion of Splendor Valley Farm, after a five-year process complicated by federal contracts and shutdowns, was celebrated as a significant milestone. The board also discussed challenges with the Okobochi property, where a lawsuit between the Homeowners Association and a landowner is delaying an easement closing. While the HOA remains confident in their legal position, the board will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Looking ahead, the Agricultural Advisory Board is preparing to present two DADOR phase projects and three requests from the Local Conservation Assistance Board (LCAB) to the Board of Commissioners on Ag Proclamation Day, likely March 23rd. The board also discussed improvements to their stewardship program, shifting towards more direct landowner engagement and implementing yearly stewardship updates following the monitoring season.

What's Next & Why It Matters:

The coming months will see the Agricultural Advisory Board focusing on finalizing revisions to the Farmland Preservation Program ordinance, a crucial step in ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. Residents can expect further discussion on this topic at the April meeting, with Evan Davis providing valuable context and answering questions. The upcoming presentation to the Board of Commissioners will highlight key projects impacting local agriculture, demonstrating the board's commitment to supporting farmers and preserving valuable farmland. The ongoing project updates, coupled with improvements to the stewardship program, underscore the board's dedication to responsible land management and sustainable agricultural practices within our community.