About Us
Our Mission
Defending Rural Florida is a state-wide grassroots organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of Floridians who are concerned about the rapid decline of rural areas, farms, and ranches across the state. By uniting community members, advocates, and stakeholders, the organization works to promote sustainable agriculture, protect open spaces, and preserve the unique cultural heritage of Florida's rural landscapes. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Defending Rural Florida strives to create awareness and drive positive change, ensuring that the needs and concerns of rural citizens are heard and addressed in policy decisions at every level.
We will;
· Advocate for necessary amendments and changes to county ordinances or state statutes to preserve rural and agricultural lands and rural lifestyles by minimizing the conversion of rural land to urban development.
· Develop an educational campaign to raise awareness about the importance of preserving farmlands for food security and biodiversity.
· Diligently monitor crucial legislation that impacts our vital farmlands and rural communities in Florida and keep you informed with timely updates and alerts. Our commitment is to ensure that you stay engaged and empowered to advocate for the preservation and protection of our rural resources.
· Work with policymakers to create frameworks that protect rural areas from urban sprawl and industrial development.
By advocating for policies that protect rural land from overdevelopment, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the rich agricultural heritage and natural beauty that defines rural Florida.
Meet Our Team
John Hallman, Executive Director
John Hallman hails from a long line of Florida cattle ranchers spanning seven generations. With a rich family heritage rooted in cattle ranching, John's passion for preserving Florida’s working farms and ranches comes naturally.
John Hallman possesses extensive experience in legislative affairs in Tallahassee, where he has effectively navigated the complexities of state government and public policy. With a robust background in advocacy and lobbying, he has built strong relationships with lawmakers and stakeholders, enabling him to influence key legislation across various sectors. John's strategic insights into the legislative process have been instrumental in shaping policies that address the needs of diverse communities. His ability to engage with both political and community leaders reflects his commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing significant legislative initiatives.
Meet our board of directors
Lane Watkins, President
Andy DuBois, Treasurer/Secretary
Ted Noftall, Vice President
Lane Watkins comes from a family who farms and ranches today in Putnam County where they started 4 generations ago. Lane is very experienced in advocating for good policies in the Florida Legislature as well as his local activism to protect rural areas from development.
“The objective of Defending Rural Florida is not just to educate folks
Lane Watkins comes from a family who farms and ranches today in Putnam County where they started 4 generations ago. Lane is very experienced in advocating for good policies in the Florida Legislature as well as his local activism to protect rural areas from development.
“The objective of Defending Rural Florida is not just to educate folks about agriculture, it is to organize effective citizen advocacy to pass genuinely effective legislation. Legislation that establishes sound long-term policy directly protecting our precious farmland and enabling our farmers.”
Ted Noftall, Vice President
Andy DuBois, Treasurer/Secretary
Ted Noftall, Vice President
Ted Noftall is a long-time resident of Volusia County and has seen the damage done to the County from being over-developed.
“I fully understand that the success of Defending Rural Florida is crucial—without it, we all stand to lose. The reality is that once we reach the tipping point of overdevelopment, the resulting issues—flooding, con
Ted Noftall is a long-time resident of Volusia County and has seen the damage done to the County from being over-developed.
“I fully understand that the success of Defending Rural Florida is crucial—without it, we all stand to lose. The reality is that once we reach the tipping point of overdevelopment, the resulting issues—flooding, congestion, rising taxes, and higher insurance premiums—cannot be reversed.
I am proud to be on the Defending Rural Florida team fighting to preserve and protect our farms, ranches, and rural areas in Florida before it is too late.”
Andy DuBois, Treasurer/Secretary
Andy DuBois, Treasurer/Secretary
Andy DuBois, Treasurer/Secretary
Fram Andy DuBois:
"Record growth challenges each city, county, and state government to responsibly manage this surge. Elected officials must exercise prudence and courage to ensure unprecedented growth provides and protects infrastructure, all while preserving that which attracts the Florida lifestyle, quality of life, culture, and enviro
Fram Andy DuBois:
"Record growth challenges each city, county, and state government to responsibly manage this surge. Elected officials must exercise prudence and courage to ensure unprecedented growth provides and protects infrastructure, all while preserving that which attracts the Florida lifestyle, quality of life, culture, and environment to so many, for both current and future generations.
Join me in defending our natural beauty and abundant resources from potential abuse by those who willingly or unwillingly could diminish the value of our most precious treasure, rural Florida."