The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has begun accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Last year, disaster assistance funding introduced growers impacted by the 2024 hurricane season to EQIP Conservation Practice 400 – Bivalve Aquaculture Gear and Biofouling Control – the first practice made available for shellfish growers in Florida! The program is now available for all Florida shellfish growers. The deadline to apply for this practice is October 3, 2025.
EQIP Conservation Practice 400, a voluntary practice, involves cycling new or clean gear with production gear in waters where biofouling of gear occurs. The fouled gear is removed from the farm and taken to an upland site to be cleaned, thus avoiding the return of fouling organisms and macroalgae into surface waters. Practice requirements also include regular monitoring of gear to assess the level of biofouling and proper disposal of waste/damaged gear on land. Additional information about practice specifications can be found in the link below. Payment for implementation is to defray the increased labor costs above normal operating procedures and record keeping during the 2026 culture cycle.
Below are fact sheets (pdf files) that provide information about EQIP, CP400, Practice Specifications, and an Application Form.
To sign-up, visit your USDA Service Center, where you can connect with both NRCS and Farm Service Agency, where you must have a farm record established. Click link below to find your local office.
Note a waiver to the Adjusted Gross Income cap of $900K was passed in the Reconciliation Bill this spring. Larger businesses should check with NRCS to see if they now qualify.