Jackson Blue Spring Grant Funding Programs

Jackson Blue Spring and Chipola Groundwater Contribution Areas Grant Funding Programs

Overview

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Agricultural Cost-Share Grant Funding Program makes cost-share funding available for projects to improve water quality and reduce water use in the Jackson Blue Spring and Chipola Groundwater Contribution Areas (GWCA).

Eligible projects will provide increased efficiency in both irrigation and fertilizer use in Jackson and Calhoun counties — the largest agricultural area in northwest Florida.

Requirements for eligible projects include:

  • The project site must be located within the Jackson Blue Spring and Chipola GWCA;
  • The project site must be in regulatory compliance;
  • The producer must enroll in an applicable Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-adopted BMP program.

Jackson Blue Spring and Chipola Groundwater Contribution Area Maps

Interactive Basin Map for Cost Share Eligibility

Street View Map

Aerial View Map

Agricultural Cost-Share Grant Funding Program

The District provides cost-share funding for eligible agricultural practices and equipment as part of the Agricultural Cost-Share Grant Funding Program. Providing enhancements to irrigation systems will assist producers in the basin achieve water savings and reduce operating costs.

In addition, improved fertilizer application technologies could reduce the total nitrogen use for corn, cotton, and peanut crops by 20 percent without a loss in productivity.

Under the Agricultural Cost-Share Grant Funding Program, the District will fund 75 percent of qualifying practices and equipment. For example, to obtain a $133,333 upgrade, an agricultural producer would only be required to provide a match of 25 percent ($33,333) with the District funding the remaining 75 percent.

Ag Cost-Share Eligible Equipment and Practices

Ag Cost-Share Cover Crop Program Application

Ag Cost-Share Program Application

Ag Cost-Share Program Brochure

Ag Cost-Share Program Definitions

Sod-Based Rotation Program

The District’s sod-based rotation program helps agricultural producers implement a conservation crop rotation program that includes planting grass such as bahia or bermuda as part of the rotation.

This grass rotation, or sod-based rotation, has been implemented and studied by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at its research stations in Greenwood and Quincy for more than a decade. Research shows that land under the grass rotation produces higher yields while using less fertilizer and irrigation. Benefits of grass rotation are highest when cattle grazing is included as part of the program.

Under the program, the District will reimburse eligible producers to convert up to 160 acres to grass. The conversion can be accomplished in up to four phases but the grass must be maintained in place for two years to obtain the benefits of the practice. The District also reimburses for fencing and up to 75 percent of the cost of other qualifying equipment and tools.

Contracts are expected to last approximately four years so grass is established for two years on each portion of the enrolled property. While including cattle is encouraged, it is not required. Producers can choose among numerous options to implement grass rotation on their farm. Awarded grant amounts will vary depending on the measures selected by each producer.

Contact Information

For additional information or to apply for cost-share grant funding, please contact:

Case Pilcher
Case.Pilcher@nwfwater.com
(850) 510-9358

Gary Chew
Gary.Chew@nwfwater.com
(850) 509-7056