Reminder – 2019 Arkansas Century Farm Applications due May 31

Contributed by Arkansas Press Association

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD) is now accepting applications for the 2019 Arkansas Century Farm program. This program identifies Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available here. There is no cost to apply.

Arkansas is home to more than 43,500 farms, of which 97 percent are family owned and operated. “Century Farm families have persevered challenges for at least ten decades and have contributed greatly in making agriculture in Arkansas the success story that it is today as our state’s largest industry with an economic impact of over $21 billion annually.” said Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:

• The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2019.  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 ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Since the program began in 2012, 418 farms have been certified. Find lists of previously inducted Arkansas Century Farm families here.

Contact Mary Elizabeth Lea at 501-219-6363 or [email protected] with questions. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 31, 2019 to be eligible for designation as a 2019 inductee.

The AAD 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.

The Arkansas Agriculture Department offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer