Caviar Farm Reaps Benefits of New Tax Law

Robin Leach would approve of Florida's farmland protection program incentives

The next time you're at Epicure overpaying for cheese, pick up a jar of caviar while you're at it and find out how delicious your tax dollars taste.

A unique ranch that raises caviar-producing Russian sturgeon along with cattle is getting a boost from Florida taxpayers.

Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet agreed to pay $1.37 million to the family-owned Evans Ranch in Flagler County for half of a perpetual conservation easement.

The St. Johns River Water Management District would pay an equal amount for the other half of the 690-acre easement.

It's the first easement bought under the state's new Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program is designed to slow the loss of farmland to residential and commercial development.

The ranch will remain under private ownership but can be used only for agricultural and conservation purposes.

 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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