Nearly 1,500 acres of working Florida ranchland will remain in agriculture for generations to come, following a new land protection announcement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson recently announced the permanent protection of two cattle operations through the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The effort preserves agricultural land from future development while allowing ranching operations to continue producing food and contributing to Florida’s economy.
One of the properties, Mossy Island in Manatee County, encompasses approximately 420 acres and was protected through a $4 million rural land protection easement, including support from the county. The second property, Florida Commission Company Ranch in Highlands County, includes roughly 1,046 acres of working cattle and hay production land. A $4.7 million easement will permanently protect the ranch from development.
According to Commissioner Simpson, the protection of these operations continues the state’s efforts to secure the future of Florida agriculture while conserving natural resources. Since its creation, the program has preserved more than 253,000 acres of working agricultural land statewide. Both ranches are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and participate in agricultural best management practice programs.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.