FL S1130

Creates the Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Matching Grant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to support startup functions for new farming and ranching operations

Eligibility requires applicants to be 18-34 years old, have operated a farm or ranch for no more than 10 years, and be an agricultural producer, farm/ranch employee, or have at least 1 year of Future Farmers of America involvement

Applicants must demonstrate dollar-for-dollar matching investment for the grant amount requested

Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000, with recipients limited to one award per grant period, and veterans receive preference in the application review process

Program funding is contingent upon specific annual appropriation by the Legislature