Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of Adams Farm (Walton and Holmes counties) and Triple S Ranch (Citrus County) through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
These two farms cover 1,687 acres and 806 acres, respectively. They were preserved through the rural lands protection easements for $2,275,200 and $3,392,000, per Commissioner Simpson’s office.
“We’re proud to announce today more partnerships to permanently preserve working Florida farmland through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By protecting working agricultural operations like Adams Farm and Triple S Ranch, we’re ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Florida’s economy while conserving the natural landscapes that make our state special.”
According to the press release, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program “purchases the development rights to agricultural properties through voluntary rural lands protection easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.”
Moreover, Simpson recently launched a $5 million grant program—the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy Efficiency Program—to support energy efficiency improvements in the Sunshine State. Commissioner Simpson's press office said the program will use the $5 million to improve publicly owned water and wastewater treatment facilities in Florida’s rural counties.
The program aims to implement innovative energy-saving technologies, such as energy-efficient motors, pumps, lighting, nutrient recovery, boilers, blowers, and more. It will also attempt to enhance energy efficiency and lower operational costs at critical water and wastewater treatment facilities. Grants ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 will support these projects.
“We’re excited to launch the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy Efficiency Program, which is about more than just improving energy efficiency – it’s about supporting Floridians where it matters most,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By investing in rural counties, we are ensuring that our water and wastewater treatment facilities are not only more energy-efficient but also more cost-effective. These upgrades will reduce operating expenses, which helps local governments better serve their communities and keep utility costs manageable for Florida families.”
Eligible applicants include publicly owned treatment facilities operated by local governments in rural counties. The grant application process begins on December 9, 2024, and will close on February 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
