Alachua County commissioners filled seats July 8 for the newly created Agricultural Land Conservation Board, selecting professionals with farming and land-management experience and citizen-at-large members for staggered terms.

Staff introduced the new board as part of Alachua County's agricultural land-protection strategy and explained the staggered term structure: initial appointments are split so future vacancies occur on different cycles. The board has seats requiring agricultural experience as well as citizen-at-large seats.

Commissioners nominated and voted on their preferred applicants from a pool of candidates who introduced themselves at the dais. Among the nominees selected for agricultural expertise were Nina Bhattacharya, Scott Eubanks and Kelly McPherson (terms vary by initial staggering). The board also named Lance (last name Lance per transcript) as an alternate in that category. For citizen-at-large seats, the board named Paul Pritchard, Jean Paul Perez, Arden Elke and Juan Salva for staggered terms.

Commissioners praised the applicant pool and encouraged applicants who were not selected to remain engaged; staff said the board will provide an implementation role in protecting agricultural lands and designing programs that support working farms and ranches.

The appointments were approved by roll call; commissioners requested that staff follow up with view of scheduling the new board's organizational meeting and to provide orientation materials.