Commissioner Putnam Invites Florida Land Owners to Apply to
Rural and Family Lands Protection Program Land Conservation Program Accepting Easement Applications Beginning July 15 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is urging Florida’s agricultural land owners to consider applying to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The goal of the program is to acquire perpetual agricultural conservation easements that ensure lands will be preserved in agricultural use while providing for the protection of natural resources. The program will be receiving easement applications from July 15-Aug. 29. “The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program offers a unique opportunity for Florida’s land owners,” said Commissioner Putnam. “The program protects our state’s invaluable natural resources and preserves agricultural land use at the same time.” Recently, the program was appropriated $11.3 million for the acquisition of perpetual agriculture conservation easements. Below are the goals of the programs: • Protect valuable agricultural lands. • Create conservation easements that ensure suitable agricultural practices and prevent conversion to non-agricultural land uses in the rural base of Florida. • Protect natural resources in conjunction with these agricultural operations. • Promote the U.S. military mission in Florida. • Promote the concept of a statewide conservation corridor. • Florida agriculture has an overall economic impact estimated at $100 billion annually, making it the state’s second largest industry. Florida agriculture is responsible for more than 750,000 jobs and adds about $3 billion to state and local tax rolls. For information on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program visit: http:/ / www.floridaforestservice.com/ rural_lands/ index.html. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
JULY 2013
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