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Approve a Farmbudsman Program operating agreement between the County of Solano and the Solano Community College Small Business Development Center for an amount not to exceed $35,000 for the period of October 4, 2016 to June 30, 2017; Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the agreement, with concurrence from County Counsel, including any amendments which are technical or administrative in nature; and Acknowledge Yolo County’s withdrawal from the joint program
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a Farmsbudsman Program operating agreement between the County of Solano and the Solano Community College Small Business Development Center for an amount not to exceed $35,000 for the period of October 4, 2016 to June 30, 2017; delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the agreement, with concurrence from County Counsel, including any amendment which are technical or administrative in nature; and acknowledge Yolo County’s withdrawal from the joint program.
SUMMARY:
Solano and Yolo counties established in 2013 a Farmbudsman program that served both jurisdictions by assisting farmers, ranchers and agriculture-related businesses with various permitting processes, including assistance with agricultural permitting and standards as required by regulatory agencies. Both counties entered into an operating agreement with Solano Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to administer the program. The program became operational in April 2013 with the objective of facilitating and expediting the development of promising value-added agricultural projects. On July 1, 2016, the Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner notified Solano County that Yolo County would not be renewing the Farmbudsman program agreement with Solano County. Solano County seeks to continue the Farmbudsman program here in Solano County and to continue with SBDC administering the program. The Solano Community College Board of Trustees will be considering the agreement at their October 19, 2016 meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The proposed operating agreement, for an amount not to exceed $35,000, will be used to reimburse SBDC for Farmbudsman services offered to clients establishing agriculture-related businesses in Solano County and training programs in which Solano County clients are asked to participate.
DISCUSSION:
The concept of the Farmbudsman program was based on the Farm Assistance, Revitalization and marketing (FARM) coordinator position that existed in Solano County from 2008 to 2009. This effort was also identified as a key opportunity to enhance the value of agriculture at the Solano and Yolo Counties Joint Economic Summit held in November 2011. In addition, the concept of the ombudsman position is incorporated into the General Plan adopted by Solano County in 2008.
On January 15, 2013, the boards of supervisors in Solano and Yolo counties adopted a joint operating agreement with the Solano Community College Small Business Development Center to establish a Farmbudsman program that served both jurisdictions by assisting farmers, ranchers and agriculture-related businesses with various permitting processes, including assistance with agricultural permitting and standards as required by regulatory agencies. The term of the operating agreement was through June 30, 2015 and was later extended via amendment through June 30, 2016. On July 1, 2016, the Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner notified Solano County that Yolo County would not be renewing the Farmbudsman program agreement with Solano County.
The Farmbudsman program became operational in Solano and Yolo counties in April 2013 with the filling of the Farmbudsman position. The Farmbudsman provided outreach and engaged over 100 projects in Solano and Yolo counties. Over two years, this work resulted in 10 new businesses, 116 new jobs and 111 retained jobs. In addition to the business and job numbers, the Farmbudsman assisted farmers in gaining access to more than $8.7 million in equity and loan investments, with a total community economic impact of more than $13 million. The Farmbudsman also provided grant administration services for the Solano Grown Program, a non-profit organization that was developed through Solano County’s commitment to agricultural viability.
The Farmbudsman also participated in a variety of forums and committees to increase exposure of the program and to keep apprised of emerging issues in the agriculture community. It should be noted that Solano County, with the Farmbudsman program, has developed a model to help ensure farmer confidence while adding value to the local food cluster by maintaining a high-level of compliance with regulations.
The primary objective of the Farmbudsman program is to facilitate and expedite the development of promising value-added agricultural projects. Solano County seeks to continue the program here in Solano County and to continue with SBDC administering the program. The position is currently vacant; however, a recruitment to fill the position will begin with approval of this agreement.
In addition, target measures have been under discussion for the past year to set standards to measure the success of the Farmbudsman program. This will continue with the filling of the Farmbudsman position for Solano County. The Farmbudsman Oversight Committee, which includes representatives from the Agricultural Commissioner, Director of Resource Management and the County Administrator’s Office will work with the new Farmbudsman to continue to update the measures to reflect the changing circumstances reflected in Solano County.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the operating agreement. This is not recommended as the agreement represents an opportunity to move forward on an initiative repeatedly identified as a strategy to enhance the agricultural industry in Solano County. The Board could suggest modifications to the agreement, which would require seeking the concurrence of SBDC.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Agricultural Commissioner, the Director of Resource Management, the Solano Community College Small Business Development Center and the Solano County Agricultural Advisory Committee have been consulted.