USDA disaster assistance funding available now

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will begin accepting applications now for disaster assistance funding through Emergency Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This is to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural landowners and producers in recovering from damages caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

Approximately $26 million will be made available for EQIP disaster assistance applicants to address resource concerns on their land. The sign-up period for this disaster assistance is Oct. 18–Dec. 20, 2024.

“NRCS is committed to helping Florida agriculture with every means available to repair damages to their land caused by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton,” said Juan C. Hernandez, NRCS State conservationist in Florida.

EQIP disaster assistance funding is target to the following conservation practices. To expedite hurricane disaster recovery, Florida NRCS is offering early start waivers to allow commencement of conservation practices prior to program contract approval.

• 325 – High Tunnel System
• 368 – Emergency Animal Mortality Management
• 384 – Woody Residue Treatment
• 400 – Bivalve Aquaculture Gear and Biofouling Control
• 442 – Sprinkler System (center pivots)
• 484 – Mulching
• 590 – Nutrient Management
• 595 – Pest Management Conservation System
• 612 – Tree/Shrub Establishment

 A webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 10:00a.m.-12:00 EST.

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1606683390

Meeting ID: 160 668 3390

Florida counties targeted for EQIP disaster assistance include:  Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, , Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla.

Additional USDA Disaster Resources:

For the latest on USDA efforts: visit the Hurricane Recovery webpage on farmers.gov.

Find your local USDA Service Center:  https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.