Arkansas Century Farm applications due May 31

The application deadline for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Arkansas Century Farm Program is May 31.

This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years.

Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/.

There is no cost to apply. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31 to be eligible for designation as an inductee.

“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.

Ward said farming is one of the state’s largest industries, agriculture contributes $19.4 billion to the state’s economy annually, and it provides one in six Arkansas jobs.

To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:

• The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, 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.

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 42,200 farms, of which 96% are family owned and operated, according to the department. Since the Arkansas Century Farm program began in 2012, 526 farms have been certified.