Deadline for applications is Saturday, May 30th
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
In an effort to protect agricultural lands, their natural resources and ensuring the lands are only used for agricultural purposes, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is encouraging landowners to apply for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
“The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program offers a unique opportunity for Florida's land owners to preserve agricultural land use while helping to protect our state's precious natural resources,” said Putnam.
Some of the program’s objectives include:
- Protecting valuable agricultural lands
- Sparking conservation easements to sustain current agricultural practices
- Preventing land in rural Florida from converting to non-agricultural uses
- Helping with the protection of natural resources
Parties interested in applying for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program are required to fill out an application form and must submit it by Saturday, May 30th, 2015.
Since the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act passed in 2011, seven agricultural operations have been developed and the Florida Forest Service is currently working on easements on additional agricultural lands. The ranches, farms and other agricultural lands under protection equals close to 8,765 acres.
Florida’s agricultural economic impact is estimated around $120 billion annually – the second largest industry in the Sunshine State. Agriculture is responsible for employing more than two million people in the state.
Earlier this month Florida announced their agricultural exports reached an all-time high.
Join the conversation and tell us if you’re thinking about applying for the protection program.
