District approved funding for sustainable agriculture projects in the Lower St. Johns River Basin

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Over the past decade, soil moisture sensors have become increasingly common in crops across the St. Johns River Water Management District. Growers report delaying irrigation by one to two days without affecting crop health, resulting in up to 40% water savings annually, according to University of Florida research.

Over the past decade, soil moisture sensors have become increasingly common in crops across the St. Johns River Water Management District. Growers report delaying irrigation by one to two days without affecting crop health, resulting in up to 40% water savings annually, according to University of Florida research.

PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024 ― The St. Johns River Water Management District (District), in collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and the Natural Resource and Conservation Service, is continuing its support for sustainable agricultural practices in the St. Johns River Lower Basin and the Tri-County Agricultural Area (TCAA). The District has approved funding for multiple projects through the Tri-County Agricultural Area Water Management Partnership.

“The District remains committed to supporting innovative agricultural projects that conserve water, protect water quality and improve farm management efficiency,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “Our collaboration with FDACS, DEP, and other partners reflects our dedication to ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the Lower St. Johns River Basin.”

The partnership, which assists farmers and growers in Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties, promotes water conservation, reduces nutrient loading and enhances farm management efficiency. By providing cost-share funding, the program helps sustain the long-term viability of agriculture in the region while protecting the region’s water resources.

During the current application cycle, the partnership received 12 applications, all of which have been recommended for funding. FDACS will support eight projects, while the District will fund the remaining four. Two of these projects were previously approved, and the District’s Governing Board unanimously approved the remaining two on Sept. 10.

These projects represent a strategic investment in the future of agriculture, with a focus on implementing targeted solutions for challenges faced by local growers. The projects approved include:

  • Crescent Lake Farms LLC (Putnam County): Installation of precision fertilizer equipment for row crops.
  • First Farms Inc. (St. Johns County): Conversion from seepage to irrigation drain tile.

To date, 200 projects have benefited from this cost-share program, underscoring the partnership’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. The program provides up to 75% of funding for eligible engineering, design and construction costs. Awardees are expected to maintain the projects for their duration and, if applicable, modify their consumptive use permits to reflect water savings achieved through District-funded initiatives.

The Tri-County Agricultural Area Water Management Partnership continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperative efforts to protect the region’s water resources while promoting sustainable agriculture.

For information, visit www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding.