F.A.C.T. formed to support agriculture in eastern Alachua County
Press release from Farming Alachua County Together (F.A.C.T.)
MELROSE, Fla. – Our many rural farms and farming families are rarely seen at County meetings because, unlike most working folks, their lives and livelihoods are governed almost entirely by the forces of nature. Nevertheless, farmers dutifully comply with the many local regulations and increasing fees for services that support urbanized folks, all while enduring rural land use decisions that impact farming. We understand local government is challenged by unrelenting urban pressure for rapid change, but agricultural commerce also grows, unseen and with less noise and publicity.
.We’re changing all that with F.A.C.T. to assure that our farming community has a voice in government. The founders and farmers of F.A.C.T. will work with the County to assure we are included in the decisions that affect farm families. For generations we have been the silent land conservationists protecting and preserving wildlife, wetlands, and the aquifer. We make modern life sustainable because we provide fresh delicious fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, cheese, citrus, dairy, tree nuts, and varieties of landscaping plants to local markets, businesses, restaurants in our county, and beyond.
So we are excited to focus local government and public attention on the working farms and farmers of Eastern Alachua County who are preserving our rich heritage, protecting our environment, and creating a sustainable future for us all. Farming Alachua County Together is dedicated to ensuring that our region’s rich agricultural legacy thrives. While Florida has lost nearly all its oranges to diseases, we are planning to restore our celebrated orange groves, native pecan orchards, and protect our unique soils. Watch us shine a bright light on the one-of-a-kind crop diversity produced by our family farms.
Agriculture is economic growth, and Eastern Alachua County is one of the most productive Agricultural communities in Florida.