Preserving Farmland a Priority in Florida
In Florida, farmland is a high priority. Not only do people flock to the Sunshine State for all its recreational allure, but also to find quality farmland for sale.
In early May, Florida made a record-breaking purchase to save some of that farmland across the state.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Florida barred future development on more than 3,200 acres of farmland. The deal marks the largest purchase of agriculture land for conservation under a program started about 15 years ago.
Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet unanimously agreed to spend $5.4 million to the Adams Ranch to put more than 3,200 acres in conservation easement that will prevent the land from being partitioned, as well as preventing the construction of homes and other buildings not necessary for the continued operation of the agricultural production land.
After this deal, and including two earlier deals protecting 1,536 acres and 738 acres, respectively, the easement now has preserved more than 5,500 acres of farmland.
The farmland being preserved is much larger than 5,000 acres, however, owning more than 24,000 acres of central Florida agro property.
State officials and agro enthusiasts are optimistic about the deal and hope more will come from it.
“By partnering with Florida’s farmers and ranchers, we can preserve these invaluable pieces of our rural economy and our world-renowned ecosystem for future generations,” Adam Putnam, Florida’s Agricultural Commissioner, said.
The easement is being paid for through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program that was created by the Florida Department of Agriculture in 2001. The state has since used the program to target 18,000 acres of land that they hope to preserve. Until this month, Florida has never purchased rights to a larger track of farmland than the 3,200 it recently secured.
Now is a great time to be searching for farmland for sale and other agricultural-driven properties in Florida and around the entire United States. Agro production happens in all 50 states and whether you’re in search of cattle ranches for sale, Florida farmland for sale, hunting property in Texas, or any other piece of beautiful U.S. landscape, you’re in for a lifetime of exciting agro work.
