Florida

Florida Ag Commissioner Announces State Approval to Preserve Over 10,000 Acres

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida

Florida Approves Preservation of Over 10,000 Acres of Working Farms and Ranches Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that Florida’s Governor and Cabinet, acting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, have approved the preservation of more than 10,000 acres of working Florida farms and ranches. The preservation initiative is a part of …

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Three Florida Family Farms Through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Will Jordan General

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

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida

(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

Dan Economy, Florida

(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

Dan Cattle, Environment, Field Crops, Florida, Industry Videos-Promoting Agriculture, Lake Okeechobee, Legislative, Livestock, Specialty Crops, Water

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 …