Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of more than 3,200 acres of working Florida agricultural land across three Florida farms through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Rural lands protection easements prevent future development and allow agricultural operations to continue contributing to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to Florida's prosperity.
“Florida is fortunate to have farmers and ranchers who are dedicated to keeping their land in production,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I appreciate the landowners who have partnered with us through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to permanently protect these properties while allowing their agricultural operations to continue. This is an important way to preserve Florida’s agricultural lands for future generations.”
Since its inception, the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved more than 257,000 acres of working agricultural land, with more than 191,000 acres preserved during Commissioner Simpson’s administration.
The three properties are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and are enrolled in the department’s Best Management Practices (BMP) program.
Source : fdacs.gov