2023 Century Farm applications being sought

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2023Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and print-able applications are available at ag-riculture.arkansas.gov/arkansasdepartmentofagricultureservices/arkansascenturyfarmprogram/.There is no cost to apply. “Arkansas Century Farm families have persevered challenges for at least ten decades and have contributed greatly in making Arkansas agriculture the success story that it is today,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “As our state’s largest industry, agriculture has an economic impact of over $19billion annually and provides one in seven jobs in the state. ”To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria: The same family must have owned the farm for 100years by Dec. 31,2023. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, sib-lings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption. The farm must beat least ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established. Arkansas is home to more than 42,000 farms, of which 96percent are family owned and operated. Since the program began in 2012, 568farms have been certified. Find lists of previously inducted Arkansas Century Farm families at ag-riculture.arkansas.gov/arkansasdepartmentofagricultureservices/arkansas-centuryfarmprogram/.Contact Beth Moore at 501-539-4027 or [email protected] questions. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31,2023, to be eligible for designation as a 2023 inductee.