Florida Commissioner Announces State Protection of Agricultural Land

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced the preservation of 540 acres of agricultural land through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The land, located in Flagler and Putnam counties, is being preserved through a rural lands protection easement on Singleton Family Farms, a multi-generational farming operation. The program, established in 2001, has permanently preserved over 212,600 acres of working agricultural land, with a significant increase in preservation during Commissioner Simpson's administration. This effort not only supports local agriculture but also contributes to Florida's conservation efforts, including the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Key Takeaways:

• The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has preserved over 540 acres of agricultural land in Flagler and Putnam counties through a rural lands protection easement on Singleton Family Farms.
• The program, established in 2001, has permanently preserved more than 212,600 acres of working agricultural land, with Commissioner Wilton Simpson's administration responsible for preserving over 147,300 acres.
• Commissioner Simpson has championed the preservation of working agricultural lands through the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and has secured over $700 million in state funding since 2022 for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
• The Singleton Family Farms project supports local agriculture and contributes to Florida's conservation efforts, including the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the management of critical natural resources.
• The program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

Statistics:

• 540 acres of agricultural land preserved through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program on Singleton Family Farms.
• Over 212,600 acres of working agricultural land permanently preserved by the program since its inception in 2001.
• Over 147,300 acres of agricultural land preserved during Commissioner Wilton Simpson's administration.
• Over $700 million in state funding secured by Commissioner Simpson since 2022 for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
• $250 million in state funding secured in this year's state budget for the program.

Sources:

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Press Release: "Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces State Protection of Agricultural Land" (August 18, 2025).