The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has begun accepting applications for disaster assistance funding through the Emergency Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Approximately $1 million will be made available for Florida shellfish growers to help in recovering from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton by addressing resource concerns on their farms. The sign-up period for this disaster assistance ends on December 20, 2024.
EQIP disaster assistance funding addresses Conservation Practice 400 – Bivalve Aquaculture Gear and Biofouling Control. This voluntary practice involves cycling a minimum of 20% of 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 will be made available soon by the NRCS state office. Payment for implementation is to defray the increased labor costs above normal operating procedures and record keeping during the 2025 culture cycle. Capped at $60,000 per grower, payment is based on the amount of seed planted.
Below are fact sheets (pdf files) that provide information about USDA conservation programs, including EQIP. The Conservation Program Application form is available as well as locations of NRCS/FSA service centers in Florida. For shellfish growers in eligible counties in the Panhandle, contact Scott Williams, NRCS District Conservationist, Blountstown Service Center at 850-674-8271×106 (office), 850-815-1475 (cell), scott.williams2@usda.gov (email).
