Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the Governor and Cabinet, acting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, have greenlit the preservation of nearly 6,500 acres of working farms and ranches through the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The decision, which secures three properties in Charlotte, Levy, and Lake Counties, ensures these lands remain free from future development while continuing to support Florida’s agricultural economy and natural resources.
“Today’s approval is a major victory for Florida’s hardworking farmers and ranchers, who are the backbone of our state’s economy and way of life,” Simpson said. “By protecting these nearly 6,500 acres, we are ensuring that future generations can continue Florida’s proud tradition of farming and ranching while also safeguarding our natural resources.”
READ: Florida Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation Of Farmland In Osceola County
He praised Governor Ron DeSantis and fellow Cabinet members for their commitment to balancing Florida’s rapid growth with the preservation of its rural heritage.
The protected properties—Ryals Citrus and Cattle in Charlotte County, the Williams Property in Levy County, and Headwaters Ranch in Lake County—represent diverse agricultural operations, from cattle ranching to row crops and timber. Together, their acquisition costs total $25.275 million, offset by partnerships with federal and regional entities that reduce the state’s share to $15.4075 million.
All three will adopt the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Best Management Practices and lie within or near the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a conservation network Simpson helped establish as Senate President in 2021.
A Closer Look at the Properties
- Ryals Citrus and Cattle (Charlotte County): Spanning 3,722 acres, this century-old family operation focuses on cattle and watermelon farming. Adjacent to a prior acquisition in 2023, it protects Prairie Creek, a Peace River headwater, and neighbors several conservation areas. Cost: $13.215 million, with $6.6075 million from the state and 50% funded by a USDA grant.
- Williams Property (Levy County): This 1,782-acre farm grows corn, peanuts, and cabbage, alongside cattle and timber operations. Its mix of pasture, crops, and wetlands supports water quality and flood control. Cost: $6.06 million, fully state-funded.
- Headwaters Ranch (Lake County): A 993-acre cattle ranch along the Withlacoochee River’s headwaters, it features pasture and hardwood forests teeming with wildlife like storks and bears. Cost: $6 million, with $3.2 million offset by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
READ: Florida Ag Commissioner Simpson Announces Preservation Of Over 100,000 Acres Of Agricultural Lands
A Legacy of Land Protection
Since its launch in 2001, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has preserved over 205,000 acres, with more than 140,000 added under Simpson’s tenure as Agriculture Commissioner. The program partners with landowners to secure easements that maintain agricultural use while shielding lands from urban sprawl—a pressing concern as Florida’s population booms.
Simpson’s influence on conservation predates his current role. As Senate President, he spearheaded the 2021 Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, linking natural and agricultural lands across the state, and secured a $300 million appropriation for the program. In 2024, he helped lock in $100 million annually for both the Rural Lands program and the Wildlife Corridor, ensuring sustained funding.
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Balancing Growth and Tradition
With Florida’s urban development accelerating, Simpson stressed the need to protect lands that “feed our families and fuel our economy.” The preserved acres will continue producing food, timber, and other resources, reinforcing the state’s $180 billion agricultural sector. Environmental benefits, like aquifer recharge and habitat preservation, further amplify the impact.
The Governor and Cabinet’s unanimous support signals a unified commitment to this vision. As Simpson put it, “Florida is growing rapidly, and it is critical that we strike the right balance between responsible growth and preserving our rural heritage.” For the state’s farmers and ranchers, today’s decision is a lifeline—and a promise kept for generations to come.
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