USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is providing Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funds to help agricultural producers address severe erosion and irrigation retrofit. But, applications for financial assistance are due Friday, December 4. Producers in these counties are eligible to apply: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Gulf, Calhoun, and Bay counties. Florida State Conservationist, Juan Hernandez, explains what producers in those counties should do.
Funding is available for various conservation practices including: diversion, field borders, filter strips, stabilization grade structures, grassed waterways, retrofit sprinkler systems, land smoothing, lined waterways, mulching, planting forage, streambank protection, terraces, underground outlets, and water and sediment control basins.
Special emphasis participants such as socially disadvantaged, limited resource, new and beginning, and military veteran farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment rate. Additionally, these historically underserved farmers and ranchers are eligible for a 50 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting to help with practice implementation.
For more information and to sign-up, contact your local USDA Service Center, or go to the Florida NRCS website.