On March 1, 2018, Renfrow’s Hardware hosted a meeting for local farmers to gain insight on the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) farmer survey that UNC Charlotte is working to distribute. The purpose of the survey is to assess the broad-scale interest in having a VAD in Mecklenburg County. This meeting was intended to gain insight from farmers on the “draft” survey as well as gauge their level of interest in the ordinance. In attendance were key stakeholders within urban agriculture, greenhouse and nursery operations as well as tradition, sustainable agriculture.

Renfrow's Hardware is a local, family-run hardware store and small-scale farming supply store in Downtown Matthews, NC operated by David Blackley and his daughter, Pressly Williams.