Application Deadline Nearing in Florida for New Water Conservation System Practice

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) In Florida wants to remind nursery owners about a newly approved conservation practice. The Water Conservation System, commonly known as an Evaporative Cooling Pad, will help reduce water and energy while improving plant productivity. This conservation practice is available for Florida nursery operations and existing greenhouses, and can also be used for cooling livestock and poultry facilities. The new system will help growers meet their cooling needs quicker while saving energy and money.

Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez said, “This new Water Conservation System helps conserve water by recirculating, reusing, recycling, or redirecting water for another use. On average, an agricultural producer can save about 6 million gallons of water per year, depending on the greenhouse size and management.”

Florida NRCS encourages interested nursery owners to contact their nearest local NRCS office for details on how to incorporate this new “cooling pad” water conservation system practice into their Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) plan. While EQIP applications are accepted on a continuing basis, the current funding cycle for this application period closes September 2. All applications received after that date will be considered for a future funding cycle.