TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. South Prong, a nearly 2,400-acre timber and hunting property in Baker County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $4,999,000.
“We’re thrilled to welcome South Prong to the growing community of generational farmers in Florida dedicated to the productivity and sustainability of our agricultural landscape through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Protecting our rural lands through rural land easements enhances food security, keeps these properties in the local tax system, and ensures property owners comply with state conservation standards for land and natural resources.”
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases development rights to agricultural properties through voluntary rural land protection easements. These easements prevent future development while allowing agricultural operations to continue contributing to Florida’s economy.
South Prong is located at the headwaters of the South Prong of the St. Marys River. The property includes 1,427 acres of uplands with 1,355 acres of actively managed timber and 72 acres dedicated to other agriculture. Pine species on the property include slash, loblolly, and longleaf. The remaining acreage comprises wetlands used for forestry as well as mixed pine-hardwood bottomland and cypress swamp areas. The property also supports income-producing managed hunts and agritourism activities.
Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program aims to counter urban development threats by partnering with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.
During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson secured $100 million from the Florida Legislature for this program along with an additional $100 million each fiscal year under SB 1638 to support conservation efforts including acquisition under this program.
Commissioner Simpson recently recognized families involved in this program at an event in Lake Placid, celebrating its milestone of preserving 100,000 acres of agricultural land. As Senate President prior to his current role, Simpson was instrumental in passing legislation aimed at protecting Florida’s natural areas and securing substantial funding for land conservation programs.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services visit FDACS.gov.