Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced that two north Florida properties have qualified for recognition as Century Pioneer Family Farms.

Recognition in this program means the families have maintained continuous ownership of the property for at least 100 years.

The families that qualified are the Zant Family in Hamilton County and the Colson Family in Gilchrist County

“These families have been able to retain ownership of their land through the depression, diseases, droughts, freezes and the urbanization of Florida,” Bronson said. “That is a great tribute to the many generations of these families.

The 38 acre Zant property formerly was the site of cotton, corn and tobacco production, but is now used to grow hay. The 400 acre Colson property is used for cattle, hay and grass seed production.

Since the program began 25 years ago, 146 family farms have received the Century Pioneer Farm designation. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For more information about the program or to apply for membership into the program contact Richard Gunnels at gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us or call 1-850-488-3022.