Why Cost Share?
Cost share programs in the Suwannee Valley exist to support more sustainable farming practices that conserve water and reduce nutrient runoff or leaching into the region’s aquifer. These programs help farmers adopt advanced best management practices, navigate water use and environmental resource permitting, and stay compliant with regulations all while remaining economically viable. Through financial and technical support from agencies like the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), producers are better equipped to protect and preserve the areas with valuable water and natural resources. Not only does cost-share benefit the grower, but state agencies are also eager to provide cost-share because it’s an effective and proven way to implement BMPs. The cost-share programs help speed up the rate of adoption of BMPs with the support of UF/IFAS.
Suwannee River Water Management:
Located in Live Oak, Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) office serves fifteen counties in North Florida. To be eligible for cost share through SRWMD, applicants must meet three simple qualifications. Applicants must be enrolled in the FDACS BMP program. This is a regulatory program for producers that provide commitment to implementing BMPs and are compliant with regulations to protect water quality. The producer must have control of the property whether it is owned or leased and must be in compliance with SRWMD permits. Most of the funding for the cost-share comes from three primary sources: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), FDACS, and SRWMD. Over the last five years, SRWMD has used a total of $8 million dollars in cost-share funds. The ag cost-share team places this funding into two categories. The first, Water Quality, is focused on nutrient management and accounts for approximately $2.6 million. The second category, Water Quantity, is developed for water conservation, and it totals approximately $5.4 million in cost-share funds.
When speaking with the ag cost-share team at the SRWMD, they pointed out that the dairy farms are the highest funded due to the amount of expenses they have and the special funded grants allocated to them. The row crop farms take the next spot in line with the number of acres farmed in the Suwannee Valley at approximately 88,000 acres. After row crops are the plant and tree nurseries. Several of the most popular cost-shared items include Soil Moisture Sensor Probes, Fertilizer Side Dressing Equipment, Pivot Irrigation Retrofits, Grid Soil Sampling, and Variable Rate Fertilizer Application.
To get started in the cost-share process, first the farmer would need to fill out an application with the items they want cost-share on. Second, the ag cost-share team would approve the application and write a contract with agreement on the cost and reimbursement of the items. Then, the farmer would purchase those items upfront, send in proof of payment, and have the ag cost-share team come perform a site visit for verification of the items purchased. Lastly, the SRWMD would then reimburse on a percentage basis from 75 percent to 90 percent of the cost on the item(s) Agricultural Cost Share Program | Suwannee River Water Management District. Project Managers for the ag cost-share, Savannah Atkins and Jonathan Crain, both say that the farmers benefit from cost-share and that it is a way to help them improve nutrient management while conserving natural resources and lowering input costs.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
FDACS works similarly to SRWMD, although most cost share is distributed through the soil and water conservation districts. A majority of the funding for cost-share comes from in-house but supporting agencies like NRCS and FDEP help supplement additional costs. The qualifications for FDACS cost-share differs from the SRWMD. Applicant property must be in production one year prior to applying. The applicant must have a Notice of Intent (NOI) to implement BMPs. An implementation verification site visit must be performed by an FDACS technician within two years preceding the application, and the applicants must provide a statement regarding any previous or current compliances with other state agencies.
There are three cost-share project categories for FDACS. The first is Nutrient Management, these would be items like: Conservation Tillage/No-Till Drill, and Precision Nutrient Application/Nutrient Applicator. Second, Irrigation Management project types include items such as Precision Irrigation/Soil Moisture Sensor, Irrigation Upgrades, and more. Third, would be Water Resource Protection, this category would consist of: Water Conservation/Water Storage and Retention, Fencing, Soil Management. The application process would be the same no matter what category. To initiate the cost-share practice the producer would start by filling out an application of the items wanted. Once the producer has an approved cost-share agreement from FDACS then the applicant can purchase the item(s) upfront, send in correct documents, and receive reimbursement. BMP Cost Share Program / Agricultural Water Field Services / Water / Home – Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. FDACS will reimburse up to 75 percent of the total cost of the project. FDACS can also help with filling out the application. The FDACS technicians say that this is another effective way for farmers to adapt and implement BMPs into their operations.
Natural Resource Conservation Services:
NRCS works side by side with producers to create conservation plans tailored to their operations and specific challenges. By putting these plans into practice, farmers can improve water and air quality, build healthier soils, and create better wildlife habitats all while making their farms more efficient. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) | Natural Resources Conservation Service helps make it possible by offering financial assistance, and in some cases advanced payments. To be eligible for EQUIP you must control or own land, meet Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and payment limitation provision, and must be complaint with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements.
EQUIP is funded through the USDA as part of the annual U.S Farm Bill and provides financial support to help producers adopt conservation practices. NRCS typically reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost, while beginning and underserved producers may qualify for up to 90 percent. Popular practices include installing fencing for rotational grazing, building high tunnels, transitioning to organic production, improving irrigation and livestock watering systems, adopting low- or no-till methods, and using more natural approaches to fertilizers and pest management. Overall, EQUIP is another way growers can get support to implement BMPs on their farms. The application process may take three to six months, producers can apply anytime, and there is no set deadline, but applications are batched for consideration each year. The NRCS that is local to your area will have technicians that will help and support producers through the cost-share application process. The technician collaborates with the producer to develop a conservation plan that outlines specific practices and activities designed to address on-farm challenges. In Florida, the following priorities guide EQIP application selections are Water Quality Degradation, Insufficient Water, Soil Health, Plant and Animal Health, Inadequate Habitat for Fish and Wildlife.
Along with EQUIP, the NRCS also has the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Stewardship Program – Florida | Natural Resources Conservation Service. This program takes the steps the producer is already making within conservation and enhancing them to find new ways to meet the producers’ goals. It’s a five-year contract, with potential for renewals. Within CSP there are three payment methods, these methods will offer annual payments for implementing conservation practices. The first method is Annual contract payments that are based on additional conservation practices and maintaining current conservation practices. Supplemental payments are based on crop rotation and grazing management. The third being Minimum Contract payments, which is common for most of the active contracts. Similar to EQUIP an NRCS conservation planner will work closely with the grower throughout the process for CSP.
Cost-share in conclusion:
In regions like the Suwannee Valley, where natural resources are closely tied to agriculture’s success, cost-share initiatives help protect water quality, improve technology, and ensure long-term productivity. It also helps develop partnerships with producers and agencies like SRWMD, FDACS, NRCS, and UF/IFAS. Overall, these programs are a popular tool for producers to participate in.
Author: Kelsey Crain
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley
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