Overview

This board advises the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on projects, programs, or issues affecting the agricultural economy or way of life within the county. 

Roles and Responsibilities

North Carolina General Statute 106, Article 61 Paragraph 106-739 authorizes a county to adopt an ordinance to establish an agricultural advisory board. Chatham County’s Voluntary Agriculture District Ordinance (revised 2019) establishes the Agricultural Advisory Board and defines the roles and responsibilities.

The advisory board reviews and makes recommendations or decisions concerning the establishment and modification of Voluntary Agricultural Districts. This board may also hold public hearings on public projects likely to have an impact on agricultural operations, particularly if such projects involve condemnation of all or part of any qualifying farm.

The Agriculture Advisory Board also provides guidance on farmland preservation programs related to the 2024 Chatham County Farmland Protection Plan.

Membership and Terms

The following are the current members of the Agriculture Advisory Board. Members are appointed by the County Board of Commissioners.

The members of the Agricultural Advisory Board are chosen to provide the broadest possible representation of the geographical regions of the county and to represent, to the extent possible, all segments of agricultural production existing within the county. The members of the agricultural advisory board shall be actively engaged in agriculture or be a representative of agricultural interests.

• Sharon Day, District 4
  • 2018, June 2027
• Kathryn Beckerdite, District 5
  • 2024, June 2027
• Michelle Sroka, District 4
  • 2024, June 2027
• Jeff Vaughan, District 2
  • October 2020, June 2026
• Anita Kennedy, District 4
  • 2025, June 2028
• John Headen, District 5
  • May 2024, June 2026
• Diana M. May, District 1
  • December  2022, June 2028
• Dave Eskelund, District 5
  • December 2022, June 2028
• Melisa Semenov, District 5
  • December 2025, June 2028

Chatham County welcomes residents who wish to contribute to their community by serving on one of our volunteer boards or committees. Learn more about applying.

Get Information

The board is required by county ordinance to meet once a year. The board meets quarterly when there are specific issues to discuss or if Voluntary Agricultural District applications are pending. 

When held, the board meets on the second Tuesday of the month in Pittsboro in the evenings. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the meeting date will be posted no later than the Friday immediately preceding a Tuesday meeting. Visit the Meeting page for details about upcoming and past meetings.

To receive email notices about meetings and work of this board/committee, sign up for e-notifications. 

Staff Liaison

Andrew Waters
Farmland Preservation Coordinator
andrew.waters@chathamcountync.gov
(919) 545-8447