Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the opening of the application cycle for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, inviting farmers and ranchers to apply for easements aimed at preserving working agricultural operations.
Landowners can submit applications online through January 29, 2025, as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) begins the review process.
“Florida’s working agricultural lands are more than just fields — they are the backbone of our economy, the source of our food, and stewards of our natural resources,” said Commissioner Simpson. “This program is an enduring partnership between the state and our agricultural community, ensuring these lands remain productive and preserved for generations. I encourage landowners to join us in safeguarding Florida’s agricultural future.”
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Program Highlights
- Established Legacy: Since its creation in 2001, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has preserved over 196,000 acres of working agricultural land, including 130,000 acres under Commissioner Simpson’s leadership.
- Record-Breaking Efforts: This week, the Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of more than 62,000 acres of agricultural land, the most significant acquisition in the program’s history, totaling over $206 million.
- 2024 Legislative Priorities: The Governor and Cabinet approved a new project acquisition list of over 300,000 acres valued at nearly $1 billion and adopted rule amendments to streamline the easement review and acquisition process.
- Dedicated Funding: The 2024 legislative session secured $100 million in appropriations for the program, with additional annual funding of $100 million through SB 1638, supporting the Florida Wildlife Corridor and rural land protection.
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with landowners to secure conservation easements, protecting working agricultural lands from urban development while ensuring sustainable practices and preserving Florida’s natural resources.
These efforts also enhance Florida’s economy by sustaining food production, timber operations, and other agricultural contributions.
A comprehensive map of completed conservation projects under the program is available at FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.
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