By Jamie Martin
Commissioner Wilton Simpson of the Florida Department of Agriculture has achieved a significant milestone in preserving Florida's agricultural heritage through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
This initiative has successfully secured easements for Adams Farm and Triple S Ranch, ensuring their agricultural activities continue to contribute to the state's economy.
Adams Farm, spanning 1,687 acres in Walton and Holmes counties, has been a family operation since the 1890s and is recognized as a Florida Pioneer Century Family Farm.
Triple S Ranch, located on 806 acres in Citrus County, is noted for its diverse operations and ecological richness, including its proximity to the Withlacoochee State Trail.
The program functions by purchasing development rights from farmers, which prevents future non-agricultural development and supports continuous agricultural use of the land. This approach not only preserves the natural landscape but also ensures the sustainability of Florida's agricultural economy.
“We’re proud to announce today more partnerships to permanently preserve working Florida farmland through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Simpson, emphasizing the importance of maintaining agricultural lands for future generations.
Since its inception, the program has preserved over 127,000 acres of farmland, with significant contributions during Simpson's tenure. The commitment to safeguarding these lands was reinforced by securing substantial funding during the 2024 Legislative Session, which will continue to support the preservation of Florida's natural and agricultural heritage.
For more details on the program and other initiatives, visit the FDACS website at FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sizsus
Categories: National