Arkansas Century Farm Program accepting applications for 2023

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2023 Arkansas Century Farm Program.

The program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available on the Agriculture Department’s website. There is no cost to apply.

“Arkansas Century Farm families have persevered challenges for at least 10 decades and have contributed greatly in making Arkansas agriculture the success story that it is today,” Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said in a news release. “As our state’s largest industry, agriculture has an economic impact of over $19 billion 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 100 years by Dec. 31, 2023. 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.

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 96 percent are family owned and operated. Since the program began in 2012, 568 farms have been certified. Previously inducted Arkansas Century Farm families are listed on the department’s website.

For more information, contact Beth Moore at 501539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31 to be eligible for the 2023 program.