Opening dialogue with farmers and ranchers

The group of men and women who sit as an advisory board to the Oconee County Council on all matters agriculture opened dialogue last night with farmers and ranchers about what the committee can do to help them in their business. Adam Chapman, an Oconee County planner, says the plan is to extend last night’s listening session to future meetings where more farmers and ranchers can speak. Rex Blanton, chairman of the agriculture advisory board, said historically the farming community has not had the ear of county government, but that’s changing. Last night Blanton invited comment from an audience of farming interests, as part of a process to assure that the county’s next comprehensive plan in 2020 reflects agriculture. Another meeting speaker was the county’s grants coordinator. Sharon Ritter pledged her help in pursuing grant applications to help individual farmers and rangers enhance their business.