The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has released the results of 2023 applications for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), and Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is pleased with the response.
Landowners from 181 properties, which represents over 200,000 acres, submitted applications to be considered for funding. The program, which partners with farmers and ranchers through conservation easements, is designed to safeguard working agricultural operations that contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food and fiber.
Simpson said, “Food security is national security, and Florida’s agricultural lands are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our food and fiber production. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program plays a crucial role in preserving these vital resources for generations to come. I am encouraged by the historic interest in the program.”
But, he also noted the demand to participate in the program did exceed the available funds, but he will be working to correct that during the next Florida legislative session.
Since it was established back in 2001, the program has acquired conservation easements on nearly 69,000 acres of working agricultural land. The program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development, so to counter this trend, the RFLPP coordinates with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.
FDACS will now review the submitted applications for eligibility and create a list of projects in priority order that qualify for acquisition. The list will include both new project applications and existing projects from the previous acquisition list.
Click here to get more information on the program and the application process.