Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Many local farming families trace their roots in Jefferson County back several generations. Those who have maintained at least 100 years of continuous family farm ownership can be honored as a certified Century Pioneer Family Farm through a program started in 1985 by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
According to the FDACS website, “The program acknowledges the benefit that family farms and ranches provide to the state of Florida. It recognizes these pioneers as the original stewards of the land for preserving environmental resources and for helping foster the state’s agricultural industry, which provides an important economic base for Florida.”
The following Jefferson County farmers have already applied for and had their family farms certified through the program:
• Rex C. Bishop
• Edwin Hall Finlayson
• John M. Finlayson
• James P. Loeb
• Mogi Kinsey O'Neil
• Josie Kinsey Rand
• Lois B. Sweat
• John A. Wethington Jr.
Families who would like to obtain certified Century Pioneer Family Farm status can download the application at dacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Agricultural-Awards-and-Honors/Century-Pioneer-Family-Farms.
“Ownership of property by a family for 100 years or more can be determined from an abstract of title or original record such as original deed or land patents,” the website advises. “Other authentic land records may be acceptable. The farm, in whole or in part, must have been in continuous family ownership. Title to the property today must reside with a blood relative of the original owner, or a legally adopted child of a descendant. Title to the property must be continuous.”
The three-page application requires listing of ownership details, supported by copies of verifying records. Only one certificate is issued per property. Thus, a descendant may not receive another certificate if one has already been issued for the family property.
When a family receives a certificate, they also receive a sign saying “Century Pioneer Family Farms,” which can be posted on the property.
For more information about the program, contact Katherine Goletz at 850-617-7700 or Katherine.Goletz@FDACS.gov.