The Arkansas Agriculture Department has opened the Century Farm program to new applications for 2016 inductees. Century Farm families have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. This program honors Arkansas’s rich agriculture heritage and since the program beginning in 2012 has certified 297 farms and families. Applications must be postmarked by May 31, 2016 to be eligible for designation in 2016.

To qualify, farms must meet the following criteria:

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said, “The family farm is an Arkansas tradition — a way of life for generations of hard-working folks and a precious resource for all. In honoring those families who are part of this great tradition, the Arkansas Century Farm Program recognizes the historical relevance of the family farm and its important place in Arkansas's future."

Nationally, over 96 percent of all agricultural operations are family farms. Arkansas currently has over 44,600 farms on 13.8 million acres with the average farm size of 309 acres.

There is no cost to apply for the Arkansas Century Farm program, and anyone may apply. Applications may be obtained from the Arkansas Agriculture Department by calling 501-683-4851 or from aad.arkansas.gov.

Find a full list of all certified Arkansas Century Farms at aad.arkansas.gov. With other agricultural questions or concerns, please call (501) 683-4851.

The Arkansas Agriculture 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.