The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Water Policy (FDACS OAWP) recently announced updates to the Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost Share Program.
A new application portal is now open. Applications can be submitted directly via smartphone or computer. Learn more about the BMP Program, including how to request project funding, here.
There are now clearer guidelines on eligible reimbursement items. An enhanced reimbursement option will also be available for those who enter into a confidential data-sharing agreement.
Updates to the BMP Program are designed to increase accessibility and transparency. Fully trained field staff will assist with the transition and application process for interested individuals.
FDACS OAWP will prioritize awarding first-time participants in the BMP Cost Share Program and projects that will result in the highest level of nutrient reductions to help achieve basin management action plan goals and water conservation.
Funding will be based on the submittal of the necessary information for the request. Completed requests will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Review of each cost-share funding request will be conducted by FDACS. Additional information from the producer, including a site visit, may be requested by FDACS before a funding decision is made.
When applying, producers must meet the following requirements for their funding request to be considered:
- The property where the prospective project is located must be in production for at least one year prior to applying (regardless of ownership/lease).
- The producer must have an active Notice of Intent to Implement Agricultural BMPs for the property where the proposed project will take place.
- An implementation verification site visit must have been performed within the last two years (exceptions available if in a storm-impacted region).
- The producer must provide a statement regarding any previous or current compliance action that resulted in an administrative order with a water management district, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or FDACS, if applicable.
FDACS will match or overmatch other agency/entity funding as long as the total cost-share award does not exceed 90% of the total cost to the awarded producer.
If there are no other agency/entity funding partners, FDACS will allow for cost-share reimbursement up to a maximum project total of $150,000 per project for approved services, equipment and improvements.
Source: FDACS OAWP
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