Commissioners declare April Farmland Preservation Month

On April 2, when the Marion County Commission declared April to be Farmland Preservation Month, I was there along with members of Horse Farms Forever (HFF) to accept the declaration on behalf of the people in the Farmland Preservation Area and the rest of the county.

The declaration is important. It reinforces the notion that agrarian activity has a positive impact on the economy and quality of life of the county. It states how important it is that these finite lands remain viable in the rapidly changing environment Florida faces with its unending parade of newcomers seeking homes here.

Here is the proclamation:

PROCLAMATION BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

WHEREAS, according to the last Census of Agriculture, over 331,000 acres of land in Marion County are home to nearly 4,000 farms, including 1,200 horse farms; and  

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Marion County has more horses and ponies than any other county in the United States; with nearly 400,000 residents, it is estimated that there is one horse for every four residents in Marion County; and  

WHEREAS, since 2001, Ocala/Marion County has been known as the “Horse Capital of the World®”, due to the abundance of sprawling green pastures rich with limestone and calcium, and as a testament to the County’s unique involvement in all things equestrian and its record of producing some of the finest champions in the sport; and

WHEREAS, in 2005, the Marion County Commission designated approximately 200,000 acres in the northwest portion of the County as the Farmland Preservation Area, to provide a buffer for farmland against increasing growth, and to protect the valuable soils, water quality and spring sheds; and  WHEREAS, since 2008 Save Our Rural Areas has hosted the Farmland Preservation Festival to raise awareness about the importance of preserving farms in Marion County for future generations; and    

WHEREAS, in 2022 and 2023, Horse Farms Forever, Inc.® worked in partnership with Marion County to amend its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to further preserve, protect, support, and enhance the rural, equestrian, and farmland character of the Farmland Preservation Area;   

NOW THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners of Marion County, Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in us do hereby proclaim that the month of April 2024 be known as   “FARMLAND PRESERVATION MONTH”    DULY PROCLAIMED this 2nd day of April, 2024.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS        MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA   

The document acknowledges that Marion County has one horse for every four people; that 200,000 acres are set aside as Farmland Preservation Area, which provides a buffer against increasing growth, and protects valuable soils, water quality, and spring sheds. It also notes that HFF has worked with Marion County to amend the county’s comprehensive growth management plan and Land Development Code to protect and enhance the rural, equestrian and farmland character of the FPA.

The challenges are many, and the decisions the board makes have important implications for the future. It’s not an easy job, and we at Save Our Rural Areas understand and appreciate those challenges.

I liken the BOCC to a road, with groups like ours petitioning the board as to where to place the speed bumps and what fork in the road to take. It can be contentious at times, and I’m sure the board members feel like they’ve been run over after some long debates. I’m also certain that citizens often feel the same. But at the end of the day, the mindset moving forward has shifted toward the idea that we have a special place here, and the BOCC has acknowledged the fact.

It is up to “we the people” to keep that thought in the forefront of all the growth issues facing the county in future years. Citizen participation is essential. We are grateful to all the people who have supported SORA through volunteered time and donations. I am constantly humbled by the good people in Marion County for all they do. Though they hail from all walks of life, they are hardworking, honest and forthright residents who are willing to defend the area they love.

In short, good Americans. I salute you all.

The last year has been a busy one, with SORA successfully defending the rights of owners of rural properties near the Jumbolair expansion project and the RaceTrac fueling station in the heart of the FPA. We successfully worked with Golden Ocala’s Jockey Club to reduce the impact of this grandfathered piece of property, reducing its impact on the area significantly.  

With the historic teaming up of other nonprofits such as Horse Farms Forever and Ocala Horse Alliance, we have made our presence known. We don’t always agree, but our commitment to the health of the county trumps any differences we have. I look forward to a long alliance with these and other groups.

As April is Farmland Preservation Month, it wouldn’t be complete without a Farmland Preservation Festival, which SORA has hosted since 2008. On April 13, we return to Majestic Oaks Ocala, 17500 N U.S. 441, Reddick. Please mark your calendar and come out and celebrate our heritage with many vendors, kid activities, live music, and raffle items. It’s sure to be fun for everyone.

Hope to see you soon!