Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
A.
Criteria for Designation of an Agricultural Region. The
agricultural region shall be defined in the process of application and
selection of the local lead agency. A potential local lead agency shall, in its
application, propose an agricultural region for designation. The Commissioner
shall select a region which can demonstrate to his satisfaction that it is a
reasonably cohesive agricultural region. The area which the selected local lead
agency and the Commissioner agree on shall be considered the LLA's agricultural
region for the duration of the program unless changed by amendment pursuant to
Section VI. The agricultural region shall be a geographically contiguous area.
In the designation of an agricultural region, the Commissioner shall consider
the following factors:
1. Orientation toward
a shared marketing, supply and service center.
2. Shared constraints to and opportunities
for agricultural viability.
3.
Similar characteristics of land and water resources.
4. Size and geographic proximity which
encourages citizen participation.
5. Orientation toward existing political
boundaries. County, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and state designated
planning districts are examples of such boundaries.
B.
Criteria for Selecting a Local Lead
Agency
While the Act indicates a preference for local soil and water
conservation districts, the Act does not preclude other agencies or
combinations of agencies from forming an organization for the purpose of
conducting a regional agricultural viability program. Joint applications or
combinations of soil and water conservation districts and other public or
non-profit agricultural service or planning agencies are encouraged.
In selecting a local lead agency the Commissioner shall
consider:
1. Understanding of the
region's resources, problems and opportunities demonstrated by the
comprehensiveness of the application.
2. Documented timeliness or urgency to
undertake the program in the proposed region.
3. The likelihood of significant and
recognizable implementation.
4. The
impact of the projects mentioned in the application or their implementation on,
a. the local agricultural economy.
b. the general local economy.
c. the agricultural economy
statewide.
d. the general economy
statewide.
5.
Demonstration of Community Support for, and participation In the
program.
6. Demonstrated ability to
administer funds, hire and supervise personnel or manage a contract.
7. Capability to undertake data gathering and
analysis; successfully completed projects by the agency or subcontracting for
such services shall be considered demonstration of such experience.
8. The experience and credibility of the
agency in facilitating public participation, accurately hearing and effectively
reflecting the concerns and ideas of local people.
9. Efficient use and coordination of existing
staff, volunteers and resources of other agencies and organizations.
10. Clearly identified and accessible
headquarters.
C.
Application
Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other public and
non-profit farmer organization will be notified of the opportunity to submit
applications pursuant to section II, B, above. An acceptable application must
Include information addressing the criteria as listed in A and B of this
section. The application should include at the minimum:
1. Identification of the geographic
boundaries of the proposed region.
2. A general description of the region's
natural resources.
3. A review of
current agricultural activities in the region.
4. A report on the preliminary perception of
needs and opportunities.
5. A work
plan indicating approach, designating responsibilities and schedules,
consistent with. the legislation.
6. A plan to Involve farmers and citizens in
the area.
7. Budget, Including
contributions and in kind services.
8. Administrative structure Including Board
of Directors$ or Its equivalent, and a description of staff
capability.
9. Record of
accomplishments of the agency or participating organizations.
10. Information which address the criteria
(Section ,CB) for selection as a pilot program.
11. Any other Information the applicant
considers supportive of its selection as a Local Lead Agency.
D.
Selection Process
Using the criteria in Section A and B, the Commissioner upon
consultation with the Advisory Committee shall select one or more proposals)
which in his judgment best meet(s) the criteria.
E.
Negotiation
Upon selection of the application(s) the Commissioner
considers most qualified, he shall negotiate with each applicants) to:
1.
Define the exact geographic boundary
of the region. The Commissioner may work with the designated agency to
modify region boundaries to be more consistent with the criteria in Section
III-A. In cases where there are applications for overlapping or contiguous
geographic regions, the Commissioner may suggest expanding the area in the
proposed region or combining agencies.
2.
Agree on funding level.
Within the limits of available funds and based on the submitted budget the
Commissioner and the potential agency will negotiate the allocation of the
funds available. The Commissioner shall coordinate the most efficient use of
existing resources, other funds and volunteer contributions.
