LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is accepting applications for the 2022 Arkansas Century Farm program. The program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years.”Arkansas Century Farm families have persevered for at least 10 decades and have contributed greatly in making Arkansas agriculture the success story that it is today,” says Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “As Arkansas’ largest industry, agriculture contributes $19.4 billion to the state’s economy annually and provides one in six jobs.”
To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:
* The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2022. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption.
* The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make financial contribution to the overall farm income.
Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31 to be eligible for designation as a 2022 inductee. There is no cost to apply for the program.
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.
Since the program began in 2012, 526 farms have been certified including two from North Central Arkansas in 2021.
Photo: Bennett’s River-Cotter Family Farm of Fulton County was among the new inductees in the Arkansas Century Farm Program in 2021.
Photo: 7 N Farms of Boone County was among the new inductees in the Arkansas Century Farm Program in 2021.
Find lists of previously inducted Arkansas Century Farm families at: agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-departmentof-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/.
The Department is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.
Contact Beth Moore at 501-539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov with questions.
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