*Jeffrey Pittman addresses the board.*
*Photo by Sovereign Media*

Jeffrey Pittman, president of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, urged the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday night to preserve agricultural lands and rural values amid increasing development pressure.

Speaking on behalf of a coalition of producers, agricultural associations and local families, Pittman called agriculture the backbone of the county’s economy and culture — a vital sector that supplies food, protects natural resources and sustains a way of life.

“In Jackson County, agriculture isn’t just a profession — it’s a way of life,” Pittman said. “Our farms, forests and pastures are more than scenic views; they are the lifeblood of our economy and protectors of our environment.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, 43% of county land is actively farmed, with $122 million in annual market value generated from agricultural production — a 20% increase since 2017. That production includes $81 million in crops and $31 million in livestock and poultry.

Peanuts, hay, cotton and vegetables lead local crop production, while cattle, poultry and eggs top the livestock categories. Cotton production alone makes Jackson County the leading producer in the state.

“Our agricultural sector isn’t just strong — it’s diverse and resilient,” Pittman said. “That’s critical for sustainability in a rapidly changing

economy.”

More than 80% of Jackson County’s 602,880 acres are designated for agriculture, according to the county’s comprehensive land use plan. The land is divided into AG-1 and AG-2 zones, limiting residential development to preserve large-scale farming and safeguard water resources.

Pittman also highlighted agriculture’s role in environmental protection, citing farmer participation in Florida’s Best Management Practices program. Many local producers use precision irrigation, soil sampling and nutrient management to reduce runoff and conserve water — particularly in sensitive areas like the Blue Springs Basin, a major recharge zone for the Floridan Aquifer.

Beyond economic and environmental contributions, Pittman emphasized agriculture’s cultural significance.

“Ninety-five percent of our farms are family-owned,” he said. “They’re more than businesses — they’re heritage. They provide wildlife habitat, scenic landscapes and local food systems.”

Jackson County also plays a key educational role in Florida agriculture, with more than 2,100 Farm Bureau member families,10 active Future Farmers of America chapters, six 4-H programs and three major University of Florida research centers. The North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna serves as a hub for innovation in crop science and resource management.

Despite its strengths, Pittman warned that the sector is under pressure. “Florida is growing fast. That brings demand for more food, land and water,” he said. “Our challenge is to grow more with less — while protecting the rural lifestyle we all value.”

Pittman called on commissioners to support smart land use, invest in rural infrastructure, and adopt science-based policies for water and soil conservation.

“Farming is not just physical labor,” he said. “It’s economic strategy, risk management, environmental care and cultural preservation — all at once.”

In closing, Pittman urged leaders to recognize agriculture as foundational, not optional.

“If we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy the same landscapes and opportunities, we must protect the people and practices that make it possible,” he said. “In Jackson County, agriculture is not our past — it’s our future.”

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