The Town of Matthews is on the lookout for an individual who is ready to stand as a voice for agriculture in the Mecklenburg County. An open call for applications is being broadcast to find the town's representative for the County Agricultural Advisory Board—a board that plays a critical part in shaping the future of local farming and land use.
This initiative comes after the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners green-lighted an ordinance to establish a Voluntary Agricultural District program earlier in the year, as reported by the Town of Matthews's official website. These VADs, including the more robust Enhanced VADs, are designed to shield farmland from the creeping spread of non-farm development, clear the skies of legal skirmishes between farmers and their neighbors, and elevate the profile and well-being of local agriculture.
Members who join the Agricultural Advisory Board (AAB) should be prepared to immerse themselves into the world of agriculture. Responsibilities include evaluating applications for the VAD and EVAD programs, arbitrating on the potential rezoning of agricultural land, and providing consultative advice on a broad range of agricultural concerns. The hope is that through the AAB, the agriculturists of Mecklenburg County will harness a more influential voice.
According to the announcement, prospective candidates must dwell within Mecklenburg County and be willing to devote to a three-year span of service, with the possibility for a second term renewal if they choose. The AAB assembles for discussions which typically span two hours bi-monthly, or at intervals set by the Board Chair—all taking place at the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency building in Charlotte.
