May 15, 2007

Wakulla County Property Recognized As Century Pioneer Family Farm

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that the Clara and D.R. Sparkman property in Wakulla County has qualified as Century Pioneer Family Farm. Recognition in this program means the families have maintained continuous ownership of the property for at least 100 years.

“This family has been able to retain ownership of their land through the Depression, droughts, freezes and the urbanization of Florida,” Bronson said. “That is a great tribute to the many generations of these families.”

The Sparkman property has produced sweet potatoes, watermelon, field peas, corn and soybeans during the last 100 years. Clara Sparkman was born on the property in the old family home which has now been replaced.

Since the program began 26 years ago, 129 farms families have received the Century Pioneer Family Farm designation. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with the assistance of the Florida Agricultural Museum.

For more information about the program or to apply for membership, visit www.florida-agriculture.com/marketing/century_pioneers.htm or contact Richard Gunnels at gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us or (850) 488-3022.

For more information:
Richard Gunnels
(850) 488-3022
gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us