DRAFT. Overview of the Countryside in the East Central Florida Study Area. Prepared for the East Central Florida Corridor Task Force

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1 Overview of the Countryside in the East Central Florida Study Area Prepared for the East Central Florida Corridor Task Force August 2014

2 Prepared by Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Florida Department of Transportation

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA CORRIDOR TASK FORCE... 1 OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRYSIDE IN THE EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA STUDY AREA. 2 Introduction... 2 Overview of East Central Florida s Countryside... 3 Agricultural and Rural Lands Policies and Initiatives Relating to the East Central Florida Study Area Implications for the East Central Florida Study Process APPENDIX 1: COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PROFILES APPENDIX 2: LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUTURE LAND USE MAPS LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: East Central Florida Study Area... 1 Figure 2: Lands in Commercial Agricultural Use in the East Central Florida Study Area... 4 Figure 3: Existing Agricultural Land Uses in the East Central Florida Study Area... 8 Figure 4: Businesses with More than 50 Employees Involved in the Production or Processing of Agricultural, Forestry, and Related Products Figure 5: Lands Designated as Future Agricultural Use in the East Central Florida Study Area.. 14 Figure 6: Lands Designated for Future Urban or Rural Uses in the East Central Florida Study Area August 2014 i

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5 EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA CORRIDOR TASK FORCE Florida Governor Rick Scott created the East Central Florida Corridor Task Force through an Executive Order signed on November 1, Its purpose is to evaluate and develop consensus recommendations on future transportation corridors serving established and emerging economic activity centers in planning for portions of Brevard, Orange, and Osceola counties (Figure 1). The Task Force will involve stakeholders and the public as it develops its recommendations. Its work recognizes that well-planned transportation corridors can improve mobility and connectivity for people and freight, support economic development, promote high-quality development patterns, help preserve Florida s natural resources, and facilitate emergency evacuation and response. The Task Force is part of the broader Florida Future Corridors initiative, a statewide effort led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to plan for the future of major transportation corridors critical to the state s economic competitiveness and quality of life over the next 50 years. It is based on a three-step process that includes a Concept Study for a potential corridor study area; a more detailed Evaluation Study for a corridor or segment within the study area; and more specific decisions about particular alignment(s) within a corridor through the Project Development and Environment Process. Figure 1: East Central Florida Study Area Source: Florida Department of Transportation August

6 OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRYSIDE IN THE EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA STUDY AREA Introduction This report provides an overview of the East Central Florida Study Area s countryside. It is one of four that highlight each of the four themes of How Shall We Grow?, the shared regional growth vision for Central Florida developed in The East Central Florida Corridor Task Force will build upon that vision and other statewide, regional, and local plans. The How Shall We Grow? vision: Was developed through a broad-based, highly participatory 18-month process that involved more than 20,000 Central Floridians. Depicts what the region s residents said they desire for the future a region that consumes less land, preserves countryside, creates more distinctive places to live in both rural and urban areas, and provides more choices for how people travel. HOW SHALL WE GROW? THEMES: THE FOUR CS Conservation Enjoying Central Florida s most precious resources lands, waters, air, and wildlife. Countryside Maintaining Central Florida s heritage of agriculture and small villages. Centers Hamlets, villages, towns, and cities a variety of places to live, work, and play. Corridors Connecting our region with more choices for how people and freight move. Forms the basis for the Central Florida Regional Growth Compact, a voluntary agreement signed by representatives of the region s 7 counties and 86 cities committing to continue regional cooperation to implement the vision and its guiding principles. Is core to the East Central Florida 2060 Plan, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council s Strategic Regional Policy Plan, which is intended to implement the regional growth vision and the key themes it promotes. Has been incorporated by more than two thirds of Central Florida s local governments into updates of comprehensive plans, policies, and other development practices. Both the How Shall We Grow? vision and the East Central Florida 2060 Plan emphasize the importance of maintaining the region s countryside and its heritage of agriculture and small villages. Both of these documents, as well as local government comprehensive plans, highlight the role of agriculture and other rural industries, small towns and villages, recreational areas, and open space in supporting the region s economy, quality of life, and environment. 2 August 2014

7 THE COUNTRYSIDE AND EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA S FUTURE Imagine a place where Old Florida farms and villages exist alongside 21st century cities. Traditional communities maintain their character and heritage. Rural development is compact, has clear edges, and respects the importance of agriculture to the region s economy. Parts of the region still feel untouched by the rapid growth of the past 100 years. (How Shall We Grow?) A cornerstone of the Regional Vision is maintaining Central Florida s heritage of agriculture as a viable option for a large portion of the region s undeveloped countryside. Policy makers, landowners, and farmers should work together to ensure that farming remains economically and environmentally sustainable. (East Central Florida 2060 Plan, Chapter 11, Agriculture) Overview of East Central Florida s Countryside Countryside is a broad term used in How Shall We Grow? to refer to the portion of Central Florida s land area that neither demonstrates the characteristics of urban development nor is actively managed for conservation purposes. In its broadest sense, the countryside would include: Agricultural lands; Other lands used for resource-based industries such as forestry and mining; Small towns, villages, and other settlements that display rural characteristics; and Other open space. As a gross estimate, the East Central Florida Study Area s land cover can be roughly divided into three categories: conservation, urbanized, and agricultural and other rural/countryside. Using this definition, about half of the study area could be considered to be countryside. Agriculture is the major countryside-related economic activity in East Central Florida. Figure 2 shows lands currently in commercial agricultural use, as defined by Florida Statutes About 391,000 acres, or 28 percent of the study area, are currently in commercial agricultural use. More than 60 percent of the study s total land in commercial agricultural use is part of the Deseret Ranches, a large ranch in portions of Brevard, Orange and Osceola counties owned by Farmland Reserve, Inc. (see box). The second largest ranch in the study area, with nearly 14,000 acres currently in commercial agricultural use, is the Cocoa Ranch, which is owned by A. Duda & Sons, Inc. in west-central Brevard County. Six additional ranches in Osceola County and one ranch in Brevard County comprise between 5,000 and 10,000 acres. 1 Data as reported by county appraisers offices, May Florida Statutes classifies land as agricultural if it is used primarily for bona fide agricultural purposes. This includes horticulture; floriculture; viticulture; forestry; dairy; livestock; poultry; bee; pisciculture, if the land is used principally for the production of tropical fish; aquaculture, including algaculture; sod farming; and all forms of farm products and farm production. Some of these lands are targeted for future urban or rural development or for future conservation. August

8 Figure 2: Lands in Commercial Agricultural Use in the East Central Florida Study Area Source: Property appraiser offices for Brevard, Orange, and Osceola counties; Brevard County Planning and Development Department. Customized analysis developed for the Task Force based on data as of May August 2014

9 MAJOR RANCHES IN THE EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA STUDY AREA The largest ranch in the study area is the Deseret Ranches, owned by Farmland Reserve, Inc., an entity affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret Ranches comprises approximately 290,000 acres, primarily located in northeastern Osceola, southeastern Orange, and western Brevard counties. A southern portion of Deseret is located south of US 192 in Osceola County, outside of the study area. Most of the Deseret Ranches was assembled in the 1950s. Deseret operates one of the largest cow-calf ranches in the United States, with over 44,000 cows and 1,300 bulls organized in 14 cattle management units. It also operates more than 1,700 acres of citrus containing approximately 237,000 trees, primarily on the southern portion of its property outside of the study area. Additional operations include leasing land for sod production used in landscaping; harvesting timber including pine, cypress, and palm; producing row crops; and mining fossilized seashells for roadbed and other uses (for more information, see During the past few years Deseret Ranches has been working with Osceola County to begin planning for the future of large portions of its landholdings. A long-term master plan has been developed for the 19,000 acre Northeast District located close to the Orlando International Airport and Lake Nona/Medical City. Osceola County and Deseret are now preparing a long-term master plan for an additional 130,000 acres on the North Ranch. Under Florida s sector planning law, this process is intended to plan for and preserve regionally significant economic opportunities, natural resources, and transportation corridors at a landscape scale (for more information, see The second largest ranch in the study area is the Cocoa Ranch, which is owned by A.Duda & Sons, Inc. in west-central Brevard County. This ranch was purchased in the 1940s and has been a major cow-calf operation as well as a producer of sod. In 1989, groundbreaking occurred for Viera, a master planned community on a portion of the Cocoa Ranch. Viera is being developed by The Viera Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of A. Duda & Sons, Inc. The first development of regional impact (DRI) for Viera was approved for approximately 3,000 acres in 1992, expanding by 6,000 acres in The Viera Company received approval for the development of West Viera on approximately 11,000 acres in Viera is a planned mixed use community that integrates residential, retail, office, light industrial, educational, medical, and recreation uses and supporting infrastructure. The town also has interconnected systems of open space that provide recreational opportunities and provide for the conservation of natural resources. The overall approximate acreage of the DRI is 20,500 acres. Over half of the land area in Viera will remain undeveloped as protected, managed land (for more information, see August

10 These larger ranches account for the majority of East Central Florida s agricultural lands. In 2012, 92 percent of Osceola County s farmland was part of farms comprising more than 2,000 acres, as was 80 percent of Brevard County s farmland and 73 percent of Orange County s. Statewide, 57 percent of farmland is part of farms comprising more than 2,000 acres. 2 Despite the presence of these larger ranches, the majority of the farms in the study area are small: 82 percent of the farms in the three counties were less than 100 acres in size in These small farms account for 2 percent of the total farmland in the three counties. 3 Several other ranches and agricultural operations located just outside the study area could require using many of the same transportation facilities to access markets. The primary route for ranchers and farmers in Brevard, Orange, and Osceola counties moving products runs through the middle of the study area using Florida s Turnpike, Interstate 4, State Road 520, State Road 528, and Interstate 95. To the south of the study area, two such ranches are Kempfer Cattle Company, which owns 25,000 acres in Brevard and Osceola counties, and Platt Ranch in Brevard County, which owns approximately 4,000 acres. A portion of the Platt Ranch is approved for future development that will be located east of where the ranch will be bisected by the St. Johns Heritage Parkway. To the north of the study area in Brevard County is Farmton Tree Farm, a 59,000-acre forest timber operation straddling Volusia and Brevard counties. Under the long-term, 50-year plan for Farmton, 46,000 acres will be conserved in perpetuity, and the remaining areas are planned for a range of distinct centers. Also just north of the study area are a number of significant agricultural operations, including close to 900 commercial nurseries and greenhouse producers, valued at nearly $1.7 billion, in Orange County north and west of I-4 near the city of Apopka and several large ranches in Seminole County. Examples include Lee Ranch (approximately 3,000 acres) near the cities of Oviedo and Chuluota and the Yarborough Ranch (approximately 8,000 acres) located in eastern Seminole County. Both ranches have sold portions of their land to the St. Johns River Water Management District for conservation purposes and then leased back the land for cattle grazing, a common practice. The District currently has 21,000 acres of conservation lands leased for agriculture uses. The total number of farms and the total acreage of farmland in the study area decreased during the past five years, in contrast to a slight increase statewide (Tables 1 and 2). The loss of 197 farms and 126,000 acres of farmland during the past five years appears to reflect a variety of factors, including economic conditions and population growth and associated urban development. Most of the decrease in total farmland within the study area reflects decreases in the landholdings of the larger farms and ranches. The total acreage held by farms with less than 1,000 acres increased in both Osceola County and Orange County during this period, while dropping slightly in Brevard County. 2 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture, August 2014

11 Table 1. Total Number of Farms County Percent Change, Percent Change, Brevard (3.4) Orange (23.2) (19.8) Osceola (24.7) (4.2) 3-County Total 1,817 1,975 1,737 1,540 (15.2) (11.3) Statewide Total 45,808 44,081 47,463 47, Source: Table 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture. Land in Farms County Percent Change, Percent Change, Brevard 276, , , ,470 (48.1) (14.1) Orange 175, , , ,480 (24.3) (2.7) Osceola 610, , , ,058 (10.4) (15.4) 3-County Total 1,062, , , ,008 (22.5) (13.3) Statewide Total 10,659,777 10,414,877 9,231,570 9,548,342 (10.4) 3.4 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture. The majority of the farmland in the study area is ranchland, but there are significant croplands and timberlands as well (Figure 3). August

12 Figure 3: Existing Agricultural Land Uses in the East Central Florida Study Area Source: St. Johns River Water Management District, 2012; South Florida Water Management District, 2008 This countryside plays an important role in the study area s economy, quality of life, and environment. 8 August 2014

13 Economic Contribution of the Countryside The study area s countryside activities provide significant economic benefits, including: Direct and indirect jobs at farms, forests, mines, and related businesses; Wages and income for local workers, landowners, and businesses; and Purchase of local goods and services. The market value of agricultural products produced by farms in the three counties increased to $416 million in 2012 (Table 3). A total of 267 farms in the three counties produced sales of more than $100,000 in These farms with more than $100,000 in sales represent the core of Florida s farmers, generally holding large tracts of land that are managed to be as productive as possible. These farms are most likely held by the same family, group of families, or operating companies through several generations of ownership. 5 These include large, highly productive ranches such as the Deseret Ranch and the Cocoa Ranch, as well as a wide range of smaller producers. With modern technologies and land management techniques, smaller farmers can be highly productive: in 2012, 297 Florida farms less than 100 acres in size reported sales of more than $1 million. 6 Table 3. Market Value of Agricultural Products Sold, $ Millions County Percent Change, Percent Change, Brevard (1.5) Orange (3.1) Osceola County Total Statewide Total 6, , , , (1.1) Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture. 4 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services analysis. 6 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture, August

14 Table 4 summarizes the economic contributions of agricultural, other natural resources, and related manufacturing and distribution industries to the East Central Florida counties in The primary countryside industries crop, livestock, forestry, and fishery production; agricultural inputs and services; mining; and nature-based recreation accounted for more than 38,000 jobs in the three counties in Related food processing and forest product manufacturing and distribution industries accounted for an additional 175,000 jobs in the three counties. Collectively, these industries accounted for more than $10.6 billion in value-added impacts, $1.1 billion in business tax impacts, and $5.7 billion in domestic and international exports. Table 4. Economic Contributions of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Food Industries in East Central Florida Counties, 2011 Industry Brevard County Orange County Osceola County Crop, Livestock, Forestry & Fisheries Production 1,278 4,327 1,385 Agricultural Inputs & Services 4,255 22,045 2,977 Mining Nature-Based Recreation Primary Countryside Industries 6,039 27,143 4,858 Food & Kindred Products Manufacturing 564 8, Food & Kindred Products Distribution 28, ,865 16,784 Forest Products Manufacturing 140 1, Related Manufacturing and Distribution Industries 28, ,510 17,377 Total Employment Impacts (Rank Among 67 Counties) 34,941 (15) 155,653 (3) 22,235 (24) Total Value Added Impacts, $ Millions (Rank among 67 Counties) $1,398 (15) $8,306 (3) $985 (25) Total Indirect Business Tax Impacts, $ Millions (Rank among 67 Counties) $202 (11) $822 (6) $107 (23) Domestic and International Exports, $ Millions (Rank among 67 Counties) $180 (43) $5,058 (5) $506 (30) Source: Food and Resource Economics Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Economic Contributions of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Food Industries in Florida in August 2014

15 Major agricultural products of the East Central Florida counties include: Citrus. Osceola County is the state s 11 th largest producer of citrus, with nearly 3.5 million boxes in crop year , primarily oranges. Orange County and Brevard County also rank among the top 20 counties statewide, with 1.2 million and 0.6 million boxes per year, respectively. 7 Cattle. Osceola County is the state s 3 rd largest producer or cattle and calves, with an estimated 100,000 head in as of January 1, Brevard County and Orange County rank among the top 30 statewide, with 28,000 and 10,700 head in 2013, respectively. 8 Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod. East Central Florida is an important producer of plants and sod for landscaping in Florida and other states. Florida ranked 1 st among the states for sod area harvested in 2012, with Osceola County ranking 3 rd among Florida s counties. Orange County ranked 8 th nationwide for the value of sales in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod. 9 The study area also is a source of timber from palm, cypress, palm, and other trees and a source of seafood and other marine products. Additional products include the mining of seashells and other materials that can be used for construction purposes. As farmers diversify into new products, such as those associated with renewable energy, other crops may become more significant over time. Appendix 1 includes profiles of agricultural activity in each county developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs based on the 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture and other sources. The economic impact of agricultural and other resource production in the region extends beyond the farms, ranchlands, mines, and forests on which they were produced to include agriculture-related businesses and businesses that rely on natural resource inputs in the region s urban areas. Figure 4 shows the geographical clustering of agricultural and natural resource processing businesses in the areas to the west and north of the Orlando International Airport. This area is a principal manufacturing and warehousing center in East Central Florida, due in part to access to existing rail and interregional highway facilities, as well as the air cargo services at Orlando International Airport. Businesses related to agriculture and food processing can be part of long supply and distribution chains that rely on efficient and reliable connections to domestic and international markets provided by major transportation corridors and the airports and seaports in East Central Florida and beyond. Some businesses, in particular those in forestry, wood, and paper processing, rely on inputs from forests north and west of the study area. Finally, while more difficult to measure, the study area s lakes, rivers, and other recreational areas and open spaces are an important draw to visitors from around the world an activity that is likely to increase with the development of more trails and improved access to recreational areas. 7 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Agriculture by the Numbers, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Agriculture by the Numbers, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture, 2012 August

16 Figure 4: Businesses with More than 50 Employees Involved in the Production or Processing of Agricultural, Forestry, and Related Products Source: InfoGroup. 12 August 2014

17 Quality of Life Contribution of the Countryside East Central Florida s countryside also provides choices for year-round and seasonal residents who prefer a rural or small-town atmosphere. As of 2010 Census, nearly 8 percent of Osceola County residents, more than 5 percent of Brevard County residents, and more than 2 percent of Orange County residents lived outside of defined urbanized areas and urban clusters. 10 Each county identifies rural settlements or enclaves to preserve historic communities and provide for a rural lifestyle (see discussion below). Agricultural lands, recreational areas, and open spaces can provide additional benefits to the quality of life for East Central Florida s residents, including: Serving as open buffers between urban areas; Providing outdoor recreational opportunities; Providing access to fresh, healthy local food (and reducing the cost of food compared to imports from other states or nations); and Providing access to locally produced energy sources. Environmental Benefits of the Countryside How Shall We Grow?, the East Central Florida 2060 Plan, and the local government comprehensive plans recognize the benefits agricultural lands and other open spaces provide to East Central Florida s environment, including: Providing habitat for animals, birds, and plants and supporting the biodiversity of the region; Storing and filter water, reducing flooding, and helping recharge ground water; and Improving air quality. Many of the study area s major agricultural lands also play important environmental functions. For example, Deseret Ranches includes important ecosystems such as the St Johns River floodplain on its eastern border and the headwaters to the Econlockhatchee River on its northwestern border. The 4,000 acre Taylor Creek Reservoir was created on lands donated by Deseret Ranches. The Cocoa Ranch also abuts the St. Johns River floodplain. Agricultural and Rural Lands Policies and Initiatives Relating to the East Central Florida Study Area Each of the study area counties identifies future lands for agricultural uses and classifies lands for rural development activities. Figure 5 shows how the policies in currently adopted local government comprehensive plans set aside a large portion of the study area for agriculture and rural land uses. The future land use plans adopted by the three counties identify more than 309,000 acres, or 22 percent of the 10 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 2010 Census. August

18 study area s land, as primarily serving agricultural uses in the future. This map does not reflect proposed changes resulting from various developments of regional impact (DRI) and sector plans that are under review. Figure 6 shows the areas designated for rural development in the three counties. Appendix 2 includes the Future Land Use Maps adopted by the three counties. Figure 5: Lands Designated as Future Agricultural Use in the East Central Florida Study Area Sources: Brevard, Orange, and Osceola County Comprehensive Plans, Future Land Use Elements. 14 August 2014

19 Figure 6: Lands Designated for Future Urban or Rural Uses in the East Central Florida Study Area Sources: Brevard, Orange, and Osceola County Comprehensive Plans, Future Land Use Elements. August

20 Brevard County Agricultural land uses are designated for lands serving agricultural activities including row, vegetable and fruit crop production; dairy, poultry, and livestock production; and aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, and apiariculture. Large lot residential development with density of less than one dwelling unit per five acres and that does not impede the use of lands for agricultural purposes is permitted in these areas. (Brevard County Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Element, Objective 4, December 2011). Large scale mixed use New Town developments may include Agricultural areas designated for bona fide agricultural uses; Rural Areas or Rural Districts designated for passive recreation and species habitat management and protection; and Rural Development Districts designated for low-impact, context-sensitive rural residential development. In the study area, these policies currently apply to the Viera DRI (Brevard County Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Element, Objective 9, December 2011). Orange County Orange County designates the portion of the county outside the Urban Service Area as the Rural Service Area. The intended rural character and assets of the Rural Service Area is promoted through a variety of policies. In these areas the county allows single family residential development on large lots (maximum density of one dwelling unit per 10 acres), as well as compatible commercial activity related to agribusiness. Most of Orange County east of the Econlockhatchee River is designated Rural/ Agricultural land use, and much of this land is permanently managed for conservation purposes. Rural Settlements recognize and preserve existing development patterns and provide for a rural lifestyle. These areas can include residential development and limited neighborhood commercial and office development; certain rural settlements also have limited industrial activity. The study area includes Rural Settlements south of Lake Nona/Innovation Way, such as Lake Hart/Lake Whippoorwill and Lake Mary Jane. Several Rural Settlements are along SR 50 and SR 520 in eastern Orange County, such as Lake Pickett, Corner Lake, Sunflower Trail, Bithlo, North Christmas, Wedgefield, and Christmas (Orange County Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Element, Goal 6, as amended May 14, 2013). Osceola County Rural/Agricultural land uses provide for continuation of agricultural production and supporting land uses outside the adopted Urban Growth Boundary. Limited residential development is allowed in these areas. Most of Osceola County outside the Urban Growth Boundary currently is classified as Rural/Agricultural. Rural Settlements are intended to preserve historic communities and provide opportunities for a rural residential lifestyle with a maximum density of two dwelling units per acre. Several Rural Settlements are located along the US 192 corridor in the study area, including Bay Lake Ranch, off of Old Melbourne Highway, just north of Harmony; Holopaw, at the junction of US 192/441; and Deer Park, at the Deer Park at the intersection of Kempfer Road and Center Street. Additional Rural Settlements are located south of the study area at Lake Marian/Kenansville and in Yeehaw Junction. Rural Enclaves are intended to preserve historic rural communities that are surrounded by the Urban Growth Boundary. These areas primarily include large residential lots on private well and septic systems. Five Rural Enclaves in the study area are concentrated around East Lake Tohopekaliga (Osceola County Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Element, Goal 1). 16 August 2014

21 In addition to these land use policies, there are multiple regional, state, and federal initiatives and plans related to agriculture and rural lands in the study area. Local Brevard County: The Future Land Use Element of the county s Comprehensive Plan, Objective 4, calls for enhancing and protecting the county s agricultural lands and providing for the continuing viability of its agricultural industry. The county s Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) 11 Extension Brevard County to sponsor the Brevard County Farmers Market to link farmers, fishermen, growers, and producers with consumers. The county also has a transfer of development rights program to protect agricultural lands as well as conservation and coastal high hazard areas. This tool has been used in the plan for the Farmton Local Plan for the Farmton Tree Farm located north of the study area. The county also has partnered with state agencies to purchase development rights to preserve agricultural and environmentally endangered lands. Another plan provision is to restrict open space subdivisions and corresponding density bonuses in areas used for agriculture. Orange County: Goal 6 of the county s Future Land Use Element (Protection of Rural Land Resources and Other Assets) requires the county to manage land uses within its Rural Services Area to conserve agricultural lands and to promote agribusinesses. The county s 2013 Sustainable Orange County Assessment identified challenges to and opportunities for the economic viability of the county s food and agricultural systems and agriculture s impact on the county s economy. Two county white papers examined food-related issues: one looked at food production in the county, and the other at how food uses, production, and access are being incorporated in local zoning codes. The county has an Agricultural Advisory Board that assists in the review and analysis of Orange County s rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting the agricultural industry, including the overall costs and benefits to the agricultural industry. The focus of the board, which is staffed by the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, is to retain and enhance the agricultural industry s presence in the community. Osceola County: The Future Land Use Element of the county s Comprehensive Plan calls for the creation and implementation of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program. The objective is to create and implement an incentive-based rural lands conservation program that contributes to the long-term viability of the county s agricultural industry and the protection of its natural resources. The TDR process is described in Chapter 2 of the County s Land Development Code. The plan also calls for the creation of conservation subdivisions to optimize land maintained as open space to retain agricultural functions, minimize fragmentation of area resources, and/or preserve existing ecological connections. In a conservation subdivision, the residential units are clustered, and the remaining open space is permanently preserved through a conservation easement on a minimum of 50 percent of the overall property. The easement removes all residential development rights from the open space but does not limit agricultural, conservation, or recreational uses. The policy is anticipated to be incorporated in the county s Land Development Code in 2014/2015. Osceola County staff is coordinating with the Growth Management Task Force and a working group within the ranching community to ensure that the proposed policy is a viable option for the ranching community. 11 Florida Cooperative Extension is a partnership between University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), the United States Department of Agriculture, and county governments in Florida to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public through educational programs. August

22 Another initiative to enhance agriculture is the Greater Osceola Partnership for Economic Prosperity s Committee for Agriculture and Food Production Systems. Its purpose is to initiate and assist with efforts to create a business atmosphere conducive to the continuation and expansion of the county s agricultural businesses. Creating such an atmosphere includes looking at new opportunities for and overcoming barriers to agriculture s ability to conduct business. The UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County provides staff support to the committee and information for those interested in going into farming. Regional Both the How Shall We Grow? vision and the agricultural chapter of the East Central Florida 2060 Plan recognize and describe the importance of agriculture to the region s overall economy and health. Both also emphasize the region s agricultural heritage and the importance of local governments, landowners, and farmers working together to ensure that farming remains economically and environmentally sustainable. State The Florida Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), which is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), is an agricultural land preservation program designed to support working agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent agricultural land conservation easements. Since RFLPP first received funding in 2008, the development rights of seven agricultural operations have been acquired and the purchase of other easements is in process. In 2013, the Florida legislature provided $11.5 million in additional funding for the program. Although there are no RFLPP easements in the study area at present, several easement are located nearby: In Seminole County, Killbee Ranch is in the process of placing an easement on 1,371 acres; In Volusia County, Summerlin Ranch is seeking to place an easement on 1,275 acres; In Osceola County to the south of the study area, the 4,600-acre Camp Lonesome Dove Ranch has applied to place 322 acres buffering the 2,400-acre Camp Lonesome Ranch Conservation Area property under an easement; and Also in Osceola County to the south of the study area, the 6,700-acre Adams Ranch project seeks to increase the size of an existing 782-acre easement acquired in 2008 by an additional 800 acres. DACS operates the Fresh from Florida program, which supports marketing campaigns for Florida farm products in more than 13,000 stores worldwide. This initiative also includes focus groups, consumer surveys, retail incentives, television and print advertising, social media, and affiliations with local restaurants. DACS reports more than 57 percent brand awareness of the Fresh from Florida logo in Florida as a result of its marketing initiatives. Fresh from Florida also conducts trade events to help strengthen international business relationships and increase foreign sales of Florida agricultural products. DACS also provides information on Community Supported Agriculture and sponsors the state s Farm to School program in which local farms partner with K-12 schools to provide nourishing, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to school cafeterias.. 18 August 2014

23 Federal The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program is a new initiative that consolidates three former programs providing financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits: Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Grasslands Reserve Program, and Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). Under the Agricultural Land Easements part of the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps tribal nations, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps restore, protect, and enhance enrolled wetlands. NRCS has one WRP easement held with the St. Johns River Water Management District in the study area: Moccasin Island (10,000 acres), which is part of the River Lakes Conservation Area in Viera. NRCS also has one WRP easement held with the St. Johns River Water Management District: Broadmoor Marsh (2,800 acres), west of Palm Bay outside the study area. It also has two FRPP easements near the study area held with this water management district: Escape Ranch (1,932 acres) and Tucker-Far Reach Ranch (3,758 acres). Implications for the East Central Florida Study Process The Task Force could consider the following suggestions:: Work with the agricultural community and related stakeholder groups to understand where priority resources and businesses are located to use as guidance when making decisions about corridor locations as well as future centers. A key priority should be to identify the core group of multi-generational farms that account for the majority of the study area s agricultural output. Ask agricultural and related organizations in the region to provide input on the transportation needs of the study area businesses involved in agriculture, forestry, mining, eco-tourism, and related countryside activities. Consider how to preserve and enhance areas identified in regional and local plans to maintain their rural character as a choice for residents. Provide recommendations for future planning and development of transportation corridors in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse impacts on working agricultural and other rural lands. Work at the larger scale and over the long term to identify opportunities to advance mutual goals. For example, the Task Force could recommend strategies to advance long-term preservation of land for transportation corridors and agricultural activities at the same time. August

24 EXAMPLES OF TOOLS USED IN FLORIDA AND NATIONALLY TO PRESERVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE ACTIVITIES Local governments in other parts of Florida and in other states have adopted a variety of other tools to help preserve agricultural lands and other countryside activities. The St. Lucie County Western Lands Study: Options and Opportunities for the Future provides an overview of economic development and land use planning tools being used in Florida and around the country. A distinct feature of the toolbox is that it starts with a variety of tools that can be used to improve the profitability of agriculture, recognizing that viable agriculture is the backbone of maintaining farmland. The land use tools, which can work in tandem with the economic development ones, focus on keeping land available for farming and discouraging incompatible development. Both types of tools can be used in combination to help ensure the continuing presence of agriculture. Economic Development Tools Making agriculture a core part of local economic development programs includes agriculture-supportive tax policies and incentives, assistance with business planning and marketing, a dedicated economic development coordinator for agriculture, economic and fiscal impact studies, and Farm Link or Land Link programs to connect prospective farmers to with retiring farmers. Increasing demand for locally produced food includes agri-tourism programs, farmto-school and farm-to-table programs and growers networks and associations. Growing agriculture s role in the production of renewable energy includes Florida s Farm to Fuel Initiative. Expanding ecosystems services markets includes compensation of landowners for the benefits of environmental services such as water storage and purification, cleaner air, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. Land Use Tools Adopting agricultural zoning includes agricultural buffer zoning and agricultural protective zoning. Enabling conservation easements voluntary, legally recorded documents that landowners can place on their property to limit the land to uses consistent with the purpose of the easement and protect it from future development. Practicing green infrastructure planning the strategic planning and management of a system of natural lands, working landscapes, and open spaces. Putting in place purchase and transfer of development rights initiatives to remove the development rights from areas designated for agriculture and/or conservation. Enabling rural residential cluster development and conservation design communities targeted local planning to retain agricultural land, promote connected natural systems, and retain rural character. 20 August 2014

25 APPENDIX 1: COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PROFILES Brevard County $45.99 million in farm sales receipts, decreased 1.48% since 2007 $35.48 million crops including nursery and greenhouse $27.04 million nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod $3.13 million fruit, tree nuts (pecans), and berries $74,000 other crops and hay $10.69 million livestock, poultry, and their products $73,000 poultry and eggs $9.52 million cattle and calves (represents 90.62% of total sales) 146,470 acres in farmland, down from 167,059 acres in farms, down from 531 farms in 2007 Average farm size of 286 acres, down from 315 acres in 2007 Average value produced per farm of $89,650, up from $87,913 in 2007 Total farm production expenses of $37.98 million; average per farm of $74,041 Net cash farm income of operation of $14.11 million; average per farm of $27, farmers; 199 primary occupation; 64% Male and 36% Female; average age of 60.2 The county s economic health has been supported by the US space program at Cape Canaveral, as well as the increasing number of people moving to its massive coastline, which measures 72 miles in length. Incorporated areas include Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Rockledge, and Titusville, the county seat. August

26 Total Farms Total Farms After an 18% increase in total farms in 2002, the number of total farms in Brevard has dropped 7.57% since 2002 and 3.39% since Land in Farms (Thousand Acres) Land in Farms (Thousand Acres) Acres of farmland in Brevard have substantially decreased since 1997 with a 47.07% drop. Land in farms has fallen 12.32% since Average Farmer Age Average Farmer Age The average age of the farmer has slowly increased over the past 15 years. Age has increased 5.24% since 1997 and a mere 0.33% since % 0.36% 2.62% 0.24% 0.24% 5.12% Ethnic Makeup African American Asian Multiple Race Pacific Islander Spanish, Hispanic, Latino White Ethnic Makeup The ethnic makeup of farmers is predominately white with 8.58% of the population made up of various races and ethnicities. Non-white farmers made up 8.06% in Population (Thousands) Population (Thousands) Brevard s population has been increasing over the past 15 years. Population has increased 20.44% since 1997 and 1.38% since August 2014

27 Orange County $ million in farm sales receipts, decreased 3.08% since 2007 $ million crops including nursery and greenhouse $ million nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod $14.47 million fruit, tree nuts (pecans), and berries $209,000 vegetables, melons, and potatoes $40,000 other crops and hay $10.04 million livestock, poultry, and their products $71,00 poultry and eggs $7.15 million cattle and calves (represents 71.19% of total sales) 132,480 acres in farmland, down from 136,008 acres in farms, down from 825 farms in 2007 Average farm size of 200 acres, up from 165 acres in 2007 Average value produced per farm of $395,193, up from $327,176 in 2007 Total farm production expenses of $ million; average per farm of $312,700 Net cash farm income of operation of $56.19 million; average per farm of $84,871 1,037 farmers; 343 primary occupation; 66.63% Male and 33.37% Female; average age of 60 The county was once a citrus center, but has been transformed into a highly urbanized area with many tourist attractions, including the very popular Walt Disney World. Incorporated areas include Winter Park, Ocoee, Apopka, Maitland, and Orlando, the county seat. August

28 872 Total Farms Total Farms Total farms in Orange County have decreased 24.08% since After a slight increase in 2002, farms have declined 26.53%, and farms have decreased 19.76% since Land in Farms (Thousand Acres) Land in Farms (Thousand Acres) Land in farms has fallen 24.30% over the past 15 years. After a drop in 2002, farm acreage has fallen 9.65% and has fallen 2.65% since Average Farmer Age Average Farmer Age The average farmer age in Orange County has grown 7.91% over the review period. Since 2007 s census, average age has increased 2.74% % 0.28% 7.45% 84.17% 0.47% 6.22% Ethnic Makeup African American Am. Indian, Alaskan Asian Multiple Race Spanish, Hispanic, Latino White Ethnic Makeup The ethnic makeup of farmers is predominantly white, with 15.83% of farmers being made up of other ethnicities. In 2007, non-white farmers made up 12.33% of farmers. 811 Population (Thousands) 956 1,111 1,176 Population (Thousands) Orange County s population has steadily increased 45.01% since Population has grown 5.82% since the 2007 census August 2014

29 Osceola County $ million in farm sales receipts, increased 19.53% since 2007 $68.88 million crops including nursery and greenhouse $ million fruit, tree nuts (pecans), and berries $79,000 other crops and hay $39.77 million livestock, poultry, and their products $39.11 million cattle and calves (represents 98.35% of total sales) 547,058 acres in farmland, down from 646,290 acres in farms, down from 381 farms in 2007 Average farm size of 1,499 acres, down from 1,696 acres in 2007 Average value produced per farm of $297,659, up from $238,571 in 2007 Total farm production expenses of $89.33 million; average per farm of $244,733 Net cash farm income of operation of $23.14 million; average per farm of $63, farmers; 215 primary occupation; 65.86% Male and 34.14% Female; average age of 60.9 The county has been devoted to cattle raising, but is rapidly being urbanized due to its proximity to Walt Disney World and other tourist attractions. Incorporated areas include St. Cloud and Kissimmee, the county seat. August

30 Total Farms Total Farms Total farms in Osceola County have decreased 24.74% since After a 7.01% increase in 2002, farms have fallen 29.67%. Since the 2007 census, farms have fallen 4.20% Land in Farms (Thousand Acres) Land in Farms (Thousand Acres) Farm acreage has fallen 10.44% over the past 15 years. After a 6.85% increase in 2002, acreage has fallen 16.18%. Acreage has fallen 15.35% since Average Farmer Age Average Farmer Age The average farmer age has risen 6.28% since Since the 2007 census, average farmer age has increased 2.18% % 0.33% 2.48% 0.50% 0.33% 91.07% 4.96% Ethnic Makeup African American Am. Indian, Alaskan Asian Multiple Race Pacific Islander Spanish, Hispanic, Latino White Ethnic Makeup The ethnic makeup in Osceola County is predominantly white, with 8.93% of farmers being of various ethnic makeups. In 2007, 7.68% of farmers were from other ethnicities. 148 Population (Thousands) Population (Thousands) Osceola County s population has grown 89.69% since 1997, a significant growth. Since 2007, population has increased 11.54% August 2014

31 APPENDIX 2: LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUTURE LAND USE MAPS August

32 Overview of Countryside Initiatives in the East Central Florida Study Area 28 August 2014

33 August 2014 Overview of Countryside Initiatives in the East Central Florida Study Area