DeSantis signs Florida farm bill supporting agriculture and rural communitiesSEBRING, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a new state farm bill focused on preserving farmland, supporting rural communities and strengthening food systems.
DeSantis, joined by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Senate President Ben Albritton, said the legislation builds on ongoing efforts to protect Florida’s agriculture industry amid rapid population growth.
DeSantis noted Florida has more than 45,000 farms and ranches across roughly 10 million acres, with the vast majority being family-owned.
“This is something that’s very, very important, not just for the economy, but for our culture and our livelihoods as Floridians,” DeSantis said.
State leaders said the bill expands efforts to protect agricultural land from development pressures as more people move to Florida.
The legislation allows certain state-owned lands deemed suitable for agriculture to be transferred back into production while maintaining conservation easements, ensuring the land remains in long-term agricultural use.
Officials said the approach is designed to balance growth with preservation by keeping working lands active rather than converting them into residential development............
https://flvoicenews.com/desantis-signs-florida-farm-bill-supporting-agriculture-and-rural-communities/
