By News Service of Florida
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Thursday the state has reached a deal to spend $2.975 million to help shield 421 acres of farmland in Alachua County from potential development.
The deal, part of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, involves buying a conservation easement, which will allow agricultural operations to continue while preventing development.
The farm, the Holt agricultural property, is north of San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. Crops grown at the farm include peanuts, broccoli and watermelon, according to the announcement.