By Jamie Martin
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the protection of nearly 2,600 acres of working farmland through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).
The preserved land spans Alachua, Bradford, Clay, and Putnam counties, reinforcing Florida’s commitment to safeguarding rural lands and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The Tumlin Terwillegar Properties Project, a pine plantation comprising three parcels, was officially preserved through approval by the Governor and Cabinet.
A total of 1,745 acres were protected through the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, with the remaining 826 acres secured under RFLPP authority.
“Protecting working agricultural lands like the Tumlin Terwillegar Properties ensures that Florida remains a national leader in food and timber production while preserving the values that make our state unique,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
This project contributes to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices program.
The land includes two tracts near Santa Fe Lake, made up primarily of pine plantation, and is surrounded by areas forecasted for development by 2040.
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, launched in 2001, works with landowners to protect agricultural land from urban expansion.
Since its inception, it has preserved over 212,600 acres, including 147,300 acres during Simpson’s administration alone.
In the 2024 legislative session, Simpson helped secure a $100 million appropriation for RFLPP, along with another $100 million annually to support corridor conservation efforts.
A former Senate President, Simpson played a key role in passing the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and earlier secured $300 million for land conservation. For a map of completed RFLPP projects, visit FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: National