Wilton Simpson announces preservation of three Florida family farms through state program

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced on Friday the preservation of Watson Farm, Kirkland Farm and Hart Pasture with over $7.3 million through rural land protection easements.

“I’m excited to announce another achievement for our Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and the permanent preservation of more than 2,300 acres of productive family farms,” Wilton said in a press release.

Watson Farm is located in Gilchrist Country while Kirkland Farm and Hart Pasture are found in Baker and Highlands counties, respectively. The three properties are variously known for vegetable growing, timber production, and cow-calf operation.

“The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program not only strengthens our food security by protecting productive agricultural land, but it does so while keeping the property on the local tax rolls and requires every property owner to maintain the land and its natural resources according to best management practices,” Simpson added.

Agricultural properties are purchased by The Rural Lands Protection Program through voluntary land easements, which in turn helps Florida’s economy. The acquisitions help contribute to food production, timber, and other resources critical to the prosperity of Florida, according to the release.

Established through The Rural Lands Protection Act in 2001, the program helps farmers and ranchers “ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources” due to growing threats of urban development.

The program is supported by HB 1279, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis following the 2023 legislative session.

The law no longer requires the department to submit a purchase agreement to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund involving projects with a purchase price of less than $5 million.