The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS in Florida (NRCS-FL) continues to accept applications for disaster assistance funding through Emergency Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This is to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural landowners and producers in recovering from damages caused by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. But the sign-up period for this disaster assistance ends December 20, 2024.
NRCS-FL will evaluate disaster assistance applications using the ACT NOW process. ACT NOW allows NRCS to pre-approve ranked application when the ranking score meets or exceeds an established threshold score. The minimum threshold ranking score for EQIP disaster assistance funding is 50 points. Applications will be batched and processed in the order received.
EQIP disaster assistance funding is target to the following conservation practices. To expedite hurricane disaster recovery, Florida NRCS is offering early start waivers to allow commencement of conservation practices prior to program contract approval.
- 325 – High Tunnel System
- 368 – Emergency Animal Mortality Management
- 384 – Woody Residue Treatment
- 400 – Bivalve Aquaculture Gear and Biofouling Control
- 442 – Sprinkler System (center pivots)
- 484 – Mulching
- 590 – Nutrient Management
- 595 – Pest Management Conservation System
- 612 – Tree/Shrub Establishment
The Florida counties targeted for EQIP disaster assistance include: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, , Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla.