Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD) continues to accept applications for the 2018 Arkansas Century Farm program. Arkansas Century Farm families have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Since the program began in 2012, 376 farms have been certified. Online and printable applications are available, here.
Arkansas is home to over 43,500 farms, with more than 97% being family owned and operated. “When families are strong, our communities are strong, and our state is strong,” Governor Hutchinson said to farm families at the 2017 Arkansas Century Farm Inductee Ceremony at the State Capitol.
To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:
· The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by December 31, 2018. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.
· The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
There is no cost to apply for the Century Farm program, and any farm landowners may apply. Find lists of previously inducted Century Farm families, here.
Contact Mary Elizabeth Lea at 501-683-4851 or Maryelizabeth.Lea@aad.ar.gov with questions. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 31, 2018 to be eligible for designation as a 2018 inductee farm.
The Arkansas Agriculture Department is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Learn more atwww.aad.arkansas.gov.