June 13, 2007

Hardee County Property Recognized As Century Pioneer Family Farm

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

The family is headed by Enoch and Tealy Wingate Eddy, whose farm is located on Maude Road in Hardee County.

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

Mrs. Eddy says “the farm is still in pretty much in its original condition.” The 65-acre family farm is full of virgin timber and is home to a herd of Florida cracker cattle.

Since the program began 25 years ago, 130 family farms have received the Century Pioneer Farm designation. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with assistance of the Florida Agricultural Museum.

For more information about the program or to apply for membership into the program contact Richard Gunnels at gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us, call (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