Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the state is accepting applicants for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural Regional Projects Program Services (FDACS) program this week. The initiative allocates $25 million in grant funding to support "regional, collaborative agricultural water resource solutions" to enhance water quality and quantity across the state.
“Protecting Florida’s water resources is essential to our state’s future — and Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are central to that mission,” Simpson said in a release. “Through the Agricultural Regional Projects Program, we are building strong partnerships that can deliver real, science-based solutions to improve water quality and conserve our water supply.”
According to the release, the Agricultural Regional Projects Program, spearheaded by Simpson under the guidance of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, partners with agricultural producers, water management districts, local governments, educational institutions, and conservation groups to tackle water resource solutions affecting nonpoint source pollution in agriculture.
The goal of the program includes protecting and revitalizing Florida's water resources while also advancing long-term sustainability and growth in the state's agriculture sector, a key driver of the state's economy. More info on the program can be found here.
Funding for the initiative includes help for the following:
- Lowering nitrogen and phosphorus levels to meet or exceed water quality standards.
- Strengthen water quality and quantity.
- Advance innovative nutrient management technologies.
- Coincide with Florida’s future agricultural sustainability goals
In addition to the funding, the FDACS also announced that it is currently accepting applications for the program.
Those eligible include private landowners and local governmental entities who plan to speak on addressing nonpoint source pollution from agricultural activities, as well as water management districts, soil and water conservation districts, educational institutions, and conservation groups.
The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. EST on November 7. For more information on guidelines and eligibility requirements, head to FDACS.gov.
