Wilton Simpson
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner, Wilton Simpson, announced this week the protection of over 2,000 acres of Florida ranchland through the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. In an exclusive interview with Southeast AgNet, Commissioner Simpson shares more about the important role that ranching plays in Florida conservation.
Following “approval by the Governor and Cabinet, approximately 2,101 acres of working agricultural lands will be preserved through a cost-effective rural land protection easement totaling $8,195,000”, FDACS reported in a press release.
Rural land protection easements prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.
Once finalized, this project represents the 70th Rural and Family Lands Protection Program easement, with nearly 100,000 acres preserved through the program.