Almost 200 acres have been added to the Moore County Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD), bringing the total to 22,344.93 acres.

The VAD Advisory Board approved applications from two additional farms at a Nov. 5 meeting. One farm included 98 acres, the other 94.4 acres, all in forestry or general agricultural use.

A third applicant was turned down during the eligibility research process, and the board asked the staff of the Soil and Water Conservation Service to determine the reason for the denial.

To meet eligibility requirements, a farm must comply with minimum standards that must be determined at the county tax office, in the planning department and by the Natural Resources agency.

The board approved two members and alternates. Tony Moore is the member, and David Allred the alternate for the swine production category. Lynn Harris the member, and Barry Kim Garner the alternate for poultry farming.

Board Chairman Glenn Bradley updated the board on a previous decision to ask the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) not to traverse VAD farms in developing a route for the N.C. 24-27 bypass of Carthage. He reported that NCDOT officials appeared receptive to the request and said they were not aware that VAD farms might be affected by one or more of the proposed routes.

Bradley also asked board members to continue discussing the possibility of participating in an advanced VAD program, whereby participants could enjoy enhanced benefits by agreeing not to back out of the program for at least 10 years.

Among the advantages are development of biodiesel plants to fuel on-farm equipment and enhanced access to marketing resources.

Members discussed participation in a Farmland Protection Plan, including an application for a North Carolina Agriculture Grant providing funds for a consultant to help develop a plan for the county. Four other counties, including nearby Alamance, already have such plans.

The committee was asked to come prepared to make a decision on this matter at the next meeting, tentatively set for January.

Extension Director Craven Hudson told the committee that the Farm-City Week recognition banquet will be held Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Center.

Craven said two awards, Outstanding Young Farmer and Outstanding Farm Business Family, are being reinstated after a brief hiatus. He asked that nominations be forwarded to his office as soon as possible.

Selection criteria for the family award are participation in the agricultural community, management of the farming operation and demonstration of good character and interest in the overall community.

For the young farmer, the criteria include a farmer between the ages of 21 and 40 years who derives at least two-thirds of income from farming and has made progress in his or her agricultural career, the use of soil and water conservation practices and contributions to the well-being of community, state and nation.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.