Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces state plans to protect more Florida agricultural land and support family farms

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida is taking another significant step toward preserving its agricultural heritage as Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the protection of more than 540 acres of farmland in Flagler and Putnam counties. The land, part of Singleton Family Farms, will be safeguarded through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, a state initiative that prevents development while allowing farms to continue operating.

“Protecting working farms like Singleton Family Farms ensures that Florida’s agricultural heritage remains strong,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “This easement supports a family that has invested generations into feeding our state, while also safeguarding critical land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. It’s a win for agriculture, a win for conservation, and a win for Florida’s future.”

Singleton Family Farms, a multi-generational operation, is primarily known for its potato production, growing chip potatoes under contract with Frito-Lay. In addition to its potato fields, the farm includes a small cow-calf operation managed by a younger family member on the original homestead. The farm is enrolled in the department’s Best Management Practices program, which ensures environmentally responsible farming practices, and its location within the Florida Wildlife Corridor adds significant conservation value.

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The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, established in 2001 through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, is designed to purchase development rights from agricultural property owners voluntarily. By doing so, the state can prevent urban development on these lands while allowing farms to continue producing food, timber, and other essential resources that contribute to Florida’s economy. Since the program began, more than 212,600 acres of farmland have been permanently preserved, with over 147,300 acres protected during Commissioner Simpson’s administration.

Commissioner Simpson has emphasized the importance of preserving Florida’s working lands throughout his career. Before becoming Commissioner of Agriculture, he served as Senate President, championing the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act. That legislation directed the state to better protect natural areas, connect wildlife habitats, and preserve agricultural lands from development pressures.

Funding for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has also increased under Simpson’s leadership. Since 2022, he has helped secure more than $700 million in state funding, including $250 million allocated in this year’s state budget. These funds allow the program to partner with farmers and ranchers, ensuring the continuation of sustainable agricultural production while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

The preservation of Singleton Family Farms exemplifies the dual goals of the program: protecting Florida’s farmland while supporting families who have dedicated their lives to agriculture. By maintaining working farms within critical conservation areas like the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the state strengthens both its economy and its environmental legacy.

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Residents and stakeholders can view a detailed story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects at FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap. Additional information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is available at FDACS.gov.

This latest preservation effort highlights Florida’s ongoing commitment to agricultural sustainability, family farming, and the protection of natural resources, ensuring that generations to come can enjoy the benefits of productive farmland and vibrant ecosystems.