September 18, 2008
Three North Florida Properties Designated As Century Pioneer Family Farms
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that three North 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 who qualified are Duncan and Kenneth Hosford in Liberty County and James Tyrus Peel in Washington County.
“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 Peel property in Washington County is currently in timber and cattle production and has been used for row crop production in the past, including watermelons. The Hosford properties include 400 acres owned by Duncan Hosford, and 300 acres owned by Kenneth Hosford. The Hosford properties are used for perennial peanut, corn and pine tree production as well as livestock such as cattle and swine. Kenneth Hosford has also been a Liberty County Judge for 12 years.
Since the program began 25 years ago, 149 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 or to apply for membership, contact Richard Gunnels at gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us, call (850) 488-3022, or visit the Century Pioneer Family Farm web site at www.florida-agriculture.com/marketing/century_pioneers.htm.
For more information:
Richard Gunnels
(850) 488-3022
gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us
