TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of three Florida family farms through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The Watson Farm, a 550-acre farm and dairy operation in Gilchrist County, the Kirkland Farm, a 245-acre timber farm in Baker County, and Hart Pasture, a 1,600-acre cattle …
Simpson Continues Pushing Florida Lawmakers for Land Money
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Feb. 7, 2023) — After Gov. Ron DeSantis left the money out of his proposed budget, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson continues to push state lawmakers to replenish funding for a program aimed at keeping ranches and farms from future development. Simpson, speaking Monday to the Senate Agriculture Committee, stressed the need to push forward with the Rural and Family …
Big-Florida Budget
(NSF) — Governor Ron DeSantis says the 112.1-billion-dollar budget approved by the Legislature on Monday may be too generous in areas, and those celebrating inclusion of their projects in the spending plan should refrain from celebrating too early. DeSantis says he expects to make cuts throughout the record budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1st. Without getting …
Political Wrangling Over Conservation Program Could Exacerbate Florida Algae Issues
by Gary Cooper In weekend budget talks, lawmakers slash funding for a key land and water conservation program that is vital to restoring Florida’s waterways. Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is a budget casualty. This program has a 20-year track record of success in preserving green space in perpetuity, while keeping farmland on the tax rolls. Program …