$1.5 million available to farmers to support water-saving technologies

PALATKA, Fla., May 26, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through July 28 from farmers interested in participating in cost-share funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and improve water quality in area waterways. Up to $1.5 million is available to support the efforts.

“The districtwide Agricultural Cost-share Program engages the agricultural community in the shared goals of water conservation and reduction of nutrient runoff,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “By working together, we are aiding in the sustainability of agriculture within the district and protecting our water resources at the same time. This collaborative effort benefits us all.”

The district’s Agricultural Cost-Share Program assists farmers, ranchers and growers by providing up to 75 percent of cooperative funding toward implementing water-saving technologies to improve efficiencies and protect natural systems.

Eligible projects may include irrigation system retrofits, soil moisture and climate sensor telemetry, rainwater harvesting, sub-irrigation drain tile, tailwater recovery and reuse, soil mapping with variable rate fertilizer application, and expanded waste storage. A list of eligible projects and equipment can be found online at www.sjrwmd.com/agriculture/costshare.html, along with details about the application, review and selection process.

Applications will be evaluated based on location, water conservation benefits, water quality benefits, cost/benefit effectiveness and timeline.

District staff will evaluate each project based on the evaluation criteria approved by the district’s Governing Board and prepare a recommended list for board approval in October 2017.