Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson noted the “historic interest” from landowners in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

“Food security is national security, and Florida’s agricultural lands are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our food and fiber production,” Simpson said. “The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program plays a crucial role in preserving these vital resources for generations to come.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is an agricultural land preservation program that partners with farmers and ranchers. It is designed to protect agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent agricultural land conservation easements, according to the website.