HARDEE COUNTY, Fla. — With more people calling Florida their home comes increased development, but one state program is working to preserve agricultural land as growth continues.
What You Need To Know
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program was established in 2001, designed to protect important agricultural lands through land conservation easements
Over 500 applications were submitted to the program in 2025
Farmer Ned Hancock applied to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program about a year ago to protect his family’s land for generations to come
The interest in the program has increased by 90% since 2023
Over 500 applications were submitted to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program statewide in 2025.
In a quiet corner of Hardee County sits land that’s been in Ned Hancock’s family since 1855.
“Outside of their love of God and their love of their family, nothing meant more to them than this land,” said Hancock.
Though his family didn’t originally farm the property, Hancock knew he wanted to put it to use.
He started in the citrus industry and later expanded into cattle. Today, the family owns over 3,500 acres, known as Charlie Creek Marsh.
Hancock said the land isn’t just part of his history — it’s his livelihood.
“Every agricultural endeavor has its challenges and its ups and downs, so we’re hoping that the next 20 years make up for the last 20 years,” he said.
That’s why Hancock applied to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program about a year ago.
The program protects rural land through permanent agricultural land conservation easements, even as surrounding areas grow.
About three miles of Hancock’s family property is now part of the program, a decision he said benefits not just his farm, but the community as well.
“For generations now, it’s going to be just like this,” he said. “It’s going to be cleaning up our water, clearing up our air, creating wildlife corridors.”
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, interest in conservation programs has increased by over 90% since 2023.
“Our agricultural landscapes are what’s left of green space in our state. It’s what much of our wildlife is utilizing to continue to thrive in a rapidly growing state,” said Conservation Florida President and CEO Traci Deen.
Since the program started in 2001, officials said over 200,000 acres of working agricultural land have been preserved.
For Hancock, it’s about protecting the future so farmers like him can preserve their way of life for generations to come.
“I hope 150 years from now, some of my descendants are saying, ‘Man, I’m glad they did this,’” he said.