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Nonprofit seeks board support to restart Lomax farm programs amid rising costs
Summary
Carolina Farm Stewardship representatives told Cabarrus County commissioners they want to renew operations at the Lomax farm and asked the board to consider funding and lease support, citing increased operating costs and a recent land purchase in 2024.
Carolina Farm Stewardship asked Cabarrus County commissioners on Thursday to support the nonprofit’s efforts to restart programming at the Lomax farm, a roughly 31–32 acre property the organization said it bought in 2024.
Karen McSwane, introduced as an OHS associate with the group, told the board the nonprofit runs farmer training, organic research and technical-assistance programs and has hosted interns and hands-on workshops at Lomax. She said the group has operated the site for several years and is seeking county support to renew the lease and cover conversion and operating costs.
"We have a number of educational activities," McSwane said, describing farmer-in-training plots, field days and summer internships. She also noted that fuel and equipment costs have risen and that the organization recently bought a truck, adding pressure to operating budgets.
The board asked staff clarifying questions about the current lease language and funding lines; commissioners requested the county provide the specific ordinance and contract language cited in the packet. Commissioner Pittman asked staff how many positions support the effort; staff replied there are three staff members directly involved in management and oversight.
Kyle Billford, who introduced the item, said the county has allocated some funds in the past and that the board would receive a future follow-up and a potential request for funding or contract terms.
The presentation outlined partnerships with local schools and community groups, and staff said some specific grant funds and program dollars could dovetail into county support if the board backs the lease renewal. McSwane asked the board to consider the program’s value in training new farmers and providing local food-system benefits.
The commissioners did not take a final vote on funding at the meeting; staff said they would return with the lease language and more detailed budget information.
Ending: The board accepted the presentation and asked staff to provide the ordinance and contract language cited in the materials before any final funding or lease action is scheduled.
