(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/August 23, 2022) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved a series of land deals, including a $37.8 million plan to conserve nearly 12,000 acres in DeSoto and Hardee counties. The state will pay Carlton Horse Creek Partners, LLC, for what is known as a conservation easement on 11,958 acres. Generally, conservation easements shield land from development, …
New Water Conservation System Practice Approved in Florida
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has approved a new conservation practice. It is a Water Conservation System commonly known as an Evaporative Cooling Pad that 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. …
USDA-NRCS Offers CIG On-Farm Trial Funding
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced they are accepting applications for project funding under USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Innovation Trial Program. Through CIG, partners work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby explains the intent behind the CIG On Farm Innovation …
Florida Agricultural Landowners Encouraged to Apply for EQIP
Agricultural producers and landowners in Florida are encouraged to apply to participate in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida can provide producers and landowners with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements that address resource concerns. “Using EQIP conservation practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife …
Conservation Grants Available
Funding for more conservation programs in agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA this week announced it’s investing $25 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agricultural solutions, irrigation water management, nutrient management, and soil health. Through CIG, partners work to address our …
Conservation Innovation Grants Available in Florida
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will invest up to $900,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for agricultural resource priorities in the state. Fiscal Year 2022 conservation resource priorities for the NRCS in Florida are: climate resilience, grazing, soil health, and urban agriculture. Grants from $25,000 to $250,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis …
Apply Now for Conservation Innovation Grants On-Farm Trials
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will invest $25 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implements the CIG program, where partners work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. The On-Farm …
EQIP Applications Accepted on a Continuous Basis
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers. The program is designed to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. And according to NRCS Chief Terry …
NACD Southeast Region Announces Conservation Hall of Fame Inductees
Monday, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the names of eleven individuals inducted into the 2022 NACD Southeast Region Conservation Hall of Fame. This event annually recognizes and honors individuals from NACD’s Southeast Region who have had a significant impact or influence on conservation practice or partnerships at the local, state, territory, regional or national levels. “Congratulations to all the 2022 …
Battle over Atrazine Continues
Late last month, the Environmental Protection Agency reopened the finalized reregistration of atrazine. The EPA proposes an extremely low ecological level of concern value for atrazine of just 3.4 parts per billion, down from the scientifically proven 15 parts per billion, according to Gary Marshall, Triazine Network Co-Chair and retired Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO. “In 2019, the EPA agreed …