April 21, 2009
Two Florida Families Recognized As Century Pioneer Family Farms
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that two Florida properties have qualified for recognition as Century Pioneer Family Farms. Recognition in this program means the families have maintained continuous ownership of the property for at least 100 years. The families that qualified are the Emory E. Jackson and the Vernie P. Odom families.
“These families have been able to retain ownership of their land through the Great Depression, diseases, droughts, freezes and the urbanization of Florida,” Bronson said. “That is a great tribute to the many generations of these families.
The Jackson property in Pasco County is currently used for calf weaning and has been used for poultry and swine production in the past. The Odom property in Bradford County has been put into a trust for family members and is used for timber production.
Since the program began 26 years ago, 154 family farms have received the Century Pioneer Family Farm designation. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
For more information, contact Richard Gunnels at gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us or (850) 488-3022, or visit www.florida-agriculture.com/marketing/century_pioneers.htm.
For more information:
Richard Gunnels
(850) 488-3022
gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us
