New Grant to LEAP into the Future of Labor Efficiency

University of Florida/IFAS researchers including Dr. Chris Marble (weed scientist) were recently awarded a USDA-SCRI grant entitled ‘Labor, Efficiency, Automation, and Production: LEAP Nursery Crops Toward Sustainability. The project's goal is to help nursery growers evaluate and potentially adopt new forms of automation, improve production efficiency, and reduce labor. Dr. Marble is working on evaluating the efficiency of different types of herbicide application equipment. For this research, he will investigate the accuracy, uniformity, and efficiency of different types of granular and spray-applied application equipment and needs nursery cooperators! All you would have to do is let us know when you plan on making a regular herbicide application and we can collect the data which we will share back with you. Another project goal is to determine how efficient different forms of applications are so growers can make more informed decisions before making equipment investments and/or adopting new practices.

If you would be interested, please contact Shawn Steed at ststeed@ufl.edu. An additional portion of this research highlights grower’s successes with different forms of automation. If you are willing to share information on any form of equipment, production methods, or other tools you have adopted that have made your nursery more efficient, we would love to highlight your success and learn from you.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 for Specialty Crops

 Producers can apply for benefits under CFAP 2 beginning September 21, 2020 to December 11, 2020. I have placed a link to the program announcement which contains application information, eligible commodities and other resources:  

Here is the announcement that you can review.

CFAP 2 Announcement

Here is a direct link to specialty crops included in CFAP 2, including potatoes, citrus and numerous other Florida crops below:

CFAP 2 Eligible Specialty Crops

USDA Announces More Specialty Crops, Nursery Crops, Cut Flowers Eligible for CFAP Payments

 This announcement has been long awaited in the ornamental production community.  Please read below...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that additional specialty crops, including nursery crops and cut flowers, are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and that the deadline to apply for the program is extended to September 11th. Additionally, producers with approved applications will receive their final payment. The full news release is available at https://www.ams.usda.gov/press-release/usda-announces-more-eligible-commodities-cfap.

USDA collected comments and supporting data for consideration of additional commodities through June 22, 2020. The following commodities are now eligible for CFAP:

• Specialty Crops - aloe leaves, bananas, batatas, bok choy, carambola (star fruit), cherimoya, chervil (french parsley), citron, curry leaves, daikon, dates, dill, donqua (winter melon), dragon fruit (red pitaya), endive, escarole, filberts, frisee, horseradish, kohlrabi, kumquats, leeks, mamey sapote, maple sap (for maple syrup), mesculin mix, microgreens, nectarines, parsley, persimmons, plantains, pomegranates, pummelos, pumpkins, rutabagas, shallots, tangelos, turnips/celeriac, turmeric, upland/winter cress, water cress, yautia/malanga, and yuca/cassava.
• Nursery Crops and Flowers - nursery crops and cut flowers.

Other changes to CFAP include:

• Seven commodities – onions (green), pistachios, peppermint, spearmint, walnuts and watermelons – are now eligible for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (CARES) Act funding for sales losses. Originally, these commodities were only eligible for payments on marketing adjustments.
• Correcting payment rates for onions (green), pistachios, peppermint, spearmint, walnuts, and watermelons.

Additional details can be found in the Federal Register in the Notice of Funding Availability and Final Rule Correction and at www.farmers.gov/cfap/specialty.

Producers Who Have Applied:

To ensure availability of funding, producers with approved applications initially received 80 percent of their payments. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will automatically issue the remaining 20 percent of the calculated payment to eligible producers. Going forward, producers who apply for CFAP will receive 100 percent of their total payment, not to exceed the payment limit, when their applications are approved.

Applying for CFAP:

Producers, especially those who have not worked with FSA previously, are recommended to call 877-508-8364 to begin the application process. An FSA staff member can help producers start their application during the phone call.

On farmers.gov/cfap, producers can:

• Download the AD-3114 application form and manually complete the form to submit to their local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically or by hand delivery to their local office or office drop box.
• Complete the application form using the CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center. 
• If producers have login credentials known as eAuthentication, they can use the online CFAP Application Portal to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.  

All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap. For existing FSA customers, these documents are likely already on file.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Program delivery staff will be in the office and will work with producers in the office, by phone and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Loan/Grant Program to Help Small Businesses During Covid-19 Crisis

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to
small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Nurseries can apply for this loan.

Here are some of the details:

The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:
 The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and
utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and
 Employee and compensation levels are maintained.

Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee. Due to likely
high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for
non-payroll costs.

Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.  Interest rate is 1%.

Applications start April 3, 2020.  Small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and
receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA
lenders.

Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can
apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through
existing SBA lenders.

Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are
approved and enrolled in the program.

You can apply through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders.

For more information on the PPP here is a link: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP--Fact-Sheet.pdf

Coronavirus Grants for Small/Agriculture Businesses

This is an ongoing issue but here are a few leads I've seen this week for aid from different organizations...

Facebook Small Business Grants- Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and add credits.  They have not fully released the information but here is a link and you can sign up for updates to find out how Facebook will assist small businesses.  https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants


American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund- is offering grants to assist at this time to producers who have been impacted.  AFT’s Farmer Relief Fund will award farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the Coronavirus crisis.
Initially, eligible applicants include any small and mid-size direct-market producers. These are defined as producers with annual gross revenue of between $10,000 and $1 million from sales at farmers markets and/or direct sales to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products as inputs.
The application (linked to below in both English and Spanish) is simple and easy to complete but includes sufficient detail to ensure AFT is awarding producers that have the greatest needs. Applicants will be asked to estimate their financial loss.
AFT envisions an initial application round extending until April 23, with grants beginning to be made by May 1.  To apply click on this link  https://farmland.org/farmer-relief-fund/

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Producer Grants

Southern SARE Producer Grant Calls for Proposals Released

GRIFFIN, Georgia – The Call for Proposals for the 2020 Producer Grant Program, intended for farmers/ranchers and farmer/rancher organizations throughout the Southern region, is now available from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) program.

Proposal submission deadline is November 15, 2019.  Announcement of funded proposals will take place in late February 2020.

The maximum funding amount for a Producer Grant has increased to $15,000 for individual farmers/ranchers and $20,000 for farmer/rancher organizations.

Producer Grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that solve agricultural production challenges farmers face and to develop information on what works and what doesn’t so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same challenges can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Producer grants are not designed to pay a farmer to farm; buy livestock, equipment, or land; make permanent farm improvements, or support private enterprises through capital investments.  Southern SARE Producer Grants are competitive research grants, designed to take some of the financial risk away from trying a solution to an agricultural production issue.

Projects may be funded for up to two years. Producer organizations should be comprised primarily of farmers/ranchers and must have a majority farmer representation on their governing board.

For detailed information on how to apply for a Producer Grant, download the current Producer Grant Call for Proposals.

Submissions are Being Excepted for Southern SARE Producer Grants.

Do you have a proposed sustainable solution for a production problem at your farm?  Do you think that others may benefit from the same solution.  If you think you would like some funding to try it out the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Producer Grant is the way to go.

The Call for Proposals for the 2019 Producer Grants, intended for farmers/ranchers and farmer/rancher organizations throughout the Southern region, is now available from the SSARE program.

Proposal submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at 5 p.m. EST. Announcement of funded grants will take place in late February 2018.

Producer Grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that solve agricultural production challenges farmers face and to develop information on what works and what doesn’t so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same challenges can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Producer grants are not designed to pay a farmer to farm; buy livestock, equipment, or land; make permanent farm improvements, or support private enterprises through capital investments.  Southern SARE Producer Grants are research grants, designed to take some of the financial risk away from trying a solution to an agricultural production issue.

Projects may be funded for up to two years for a project maximum of $10,000 for an individual producer or $15,000 for a producer organization. Producer organizations should be comprised primarily of farmers/ranchers and must have a majority farmer representation on their governing board.

For detailed information on how to apply for a Producer Grant, download the current Producer Grant Call for Proposals.

The Producer Grant Call for Proposals includes application information, use of funds, proposal submission instructions, and contact information. Be sure to carefully follow the information in the Call for Proposals when submitting your proposal. Failure to follow the submission guidelines will result in your proposal being rejected.

Visit http://www.southernsare.org for more information.

BMP Projects Wanted

Attention Growers:  UF/IFAS BMP Program is seeking growers with ideas for BMP implementation.  If you would like to implement a BMP project on your farm, UF/IFAS Extension can help.  You pick the project, we collaborate on implementation.  Extension will write the grant.  You get 100% of the cost covered up to $10,000 if it is funded.  Then we have a field day to demonstrate your project.  Please read the information below if you would like to participate.

Request for proposals – BMP Minigrant Program

October 17, 2017

Deadline: November 10, 2018

Introduction

As in past years we are requesting proposals for on-farm demonstrations related to BMP implementation. The deadline for these proposals is November 10, 2017 by reply email. There is no limit to the amount requested, however the target amount is $5,000 to $10,000 each. Grower evaluation of the BMP(s) are critical to this program. Therefore, the proposed project should be for a single year, involve a grower cooperator, conducted on their field and culminate in a grower attended field day. Any applicable BMP can be demonstrated on any crop or animal within a published BMP manual.

Format

The format of the proposal is the same as previous years and contain the following elements: 1) 2 to 4 pages in length, 2) provide the BMP and crop in the title; 3) a background section containing the reason for the proposed demonstration; 4) list of objectives, outcomes and projected impact of the demonstration; 5) complete list of materials and methods; 6) projected field day agenda; 7) description of potential audience (makeup and size) of the field day; and 8) complete budget including all personnel costs (salary and fringe), costs of materials and equipment, and 10% overhead.

Deliverables

The demonstration project should result in a grower field day at the demonstration site, and a final report (due no later than June 15, 2018). The agenda and announcement for the field day must be received at least two weeks prior to the event. In addition to grower invitations; FDACS, NRCS, water management district and other state agency personnel must be encouraged to participate in and attend the grower field day.  The final report must contain a summary of: the demonstration site; interactions with the cooperator; attendance list; final agenda; copies of presentations and handouts; and outcomes. The writing of EDIS documents, magazine articles and other publications are encouraged. The BMP program will assist in writing and publishing of these documents.

Suggested topics

1) Fertilizer rates, 2) irrigation scheduling, 3) use of soil moisture sensors, 4) soil and tissue testing, 5) variable rate fertilizer applications, 6) irrigation automation, 7) use of drone based technologies, 8) fertilizer management with soil electrical conductivity sensors, 9) on-site water retention/treatment, 10) any other applicable BMP

EQIP Money Available to Growers

This is a last reminder notice for those wishing to sign up for cost-share money available for USDA EQIP Programs for water savings on nursery evaporative cooling pad recovery systems....

Financial Assistance Helps Nursery Owners Save Water
Application deadline extended to June 3

GAINESVILLE, Fla., May 24, 2016 — The deadline has been extended to June 3 for nursery owners in Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Volusia counties to apply for financial and technical assistance to install water conservation practices through a special sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Financial assistance will be available for eligible nursery owners to install evaporative cooling pad recovery systems or improve existing systems.  “In Florida, assisting agricultural producers conserve water is a top priority for NRCS.  One nursery with an improved recycled water nursery cooling pad system can save around 22,000 gallons a month.  Through this special funding we plan to assist nursery operations to implement practices that will save thousands of gallons of water per month,” said Florida State Conservationist, Russell Morgan.    

Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year. 

For more information or to apply, contact the NRCS district conservationists in the following counties:
Lake: Tavares Service Center, Suzy Daubert, 352-343-2481 X3 or 352-742-7005 x3
Seminole: Cocoa/Partnership Office, David Millard, 321-633-1702 x241
Orange & Osceola: Kissimmee Service Center, Chuck O’Rourke, 407-847-4465 x105
Polk: Bartow Service Center, Edward Sheehan, 863-533-2051 x3
Volusia: Deland Service Center, George Johnson, 386-985-4037 x3

To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

Money Available for Polk County Nurseries to Save Water

If you have some ideas for water conservation that you have been thinking about and need a little help to get you started there may be an opportunity for you.  If you are a nursery owner in Polk County and would like some assistance with water conservation practices, you should look into this ...

Financial Assistance Helps Nursery Owners Save Water

Application deadline is May 20

GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 15, 2016 — Nursery owners in Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Volusia counties can apply until May 20 for financial and technical assistance to install water conservation practices through a special sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Financial assistance will be available for eligible nursery owners to install evaporative cooling pad recovery systems or improve existing systems. “In Florida, assisting agricultural producers conserve water is a top priority for NRCS.  One nursery with an improved recycled water nursery cooling pad system can save around 22,000 gallons a month.  Through this special funding we plan to assist nursery operations implement practices that will save thousands of gallons of water per month,” said Florida State Conservationist, Russell Morgan.    

Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year. 

For more information or to apply, contact the NRCS district conservationists in the following counties:

Lake: Tavares Service Center, Suzy Daubert, 352-742-7005 x3

Seminole: Cocoa/Partnership Office, David Millard, 321-633-1702 x241

Orange & Osceola: Kissimmee Service Center, Chuck O’Rourke, 407-847-4465 x105

Polk: Bartow Service Center, Edward Sheehan, 863-533-2051 x3

Volusia: Deland Service Center, George Johnson, 386-985-4037 x3

To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

Grant Opportunities from USDA

Here is some important information that you might take advantage of from utilizing USDA grants to help increase the sustainability of your operation.

Cost Share Helps Florida Farmers, Ranchers Conserve Natural Resources

Application deadline for financial assistance Dec. 18

 

 

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Sept. 1, 2015 — Florida farmers and ranchers can apply until Dec. 18, 2015, for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs for fiscal year 2016 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year. 

 

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), landowners may receive financial and technical assistance to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland and other farm or ranch lands.

 

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to conserve agricultural lands and wetlands. Agricultural Land Easements help farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. Eligible partners are Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. Wetland Reserve Easements offer technical and financial assistance directly to private landowners and Indian tribes to restore, protect and enhance wetlands through the purchase of a wetland easement.

Our contact for Hillsborough is Plant City Service Center, 201 S Collins St. STE 201, Plant City, FL 33563

813-752-1474.  

The contact information for Polk County is Bartow Service Center, 1700 Hwy 17 S, Bartow, FL 33830 800-243-9912.

Mini-FARMS Grants Still Available

Just wanted to let you all know that the SWFWMD has funding still available through the MiniFARMS Program for water quantity related projects.  The money will be available until October and provides 75% cost share up to a maximum reimbursement of $5,000.  If you are a grower 100 acres or less and have a project you think will qualify please contact me.  You will also need to be in production for at least 2 years to qualify.

Cogongrass Help!

Cogongrass is an extremely aggressive rhizomatous grass that I have seen spreading more and more around Hillsborough County.  I have even seen it taking over nursery production areas under the groundcover as well.  Here is a link to a fact sheet on the weed and below is an update for a program that will help provide cost share assistance with control of the weed.  There is another factsheet below dealing with cogongrass control in pastures.

 COGONGRASS TREATMENT COST-SHARE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS


Applications accepted through Feb. 27, 2015 to remove invasive plant

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program. Cogongrass is an invasive, non-native grass, which occurs in Florida and several other southeastern states. Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior.

The Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program is offered for non-industrial private lands in all Florida counties. It provides reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost to treat Cogongrass infestations for two consecutive years. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2014 may apply from Sept. 22, 2014 through Oct. 3, 2014. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2015 may apply from Oct. 6, 2014 through Feb. 27, 2015.

To learn more about this program and obtain an application form, contact a local Florida Forest Service office or visit http://www.FloridaForestService.com. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

For more information about cogongrass and management see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg202

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit http://www.FreshFromFlorida.com.

Money Available from Mini-FARMS Grants

FDACS has money to give in 75% cost-share grants to producers who want to reduce their water use and decrease their environmental impact.  You can either contact Shawn Steed or go directly to Jessica McCoy Stempien, Office of Agricultural Water Policy, FDACS.  Her number is (813) 985-7481 ext 2125, her email is JessicaLea.Stempien@FreshFromFlorida.com.  We both have a list of items that can be covered with the grant money.

SWFWMD Opportunities for Growers

Here are some opportunities from SWFWMD to fund projects that will reduce water.  These are great projects that will help to deliver water and nutrients in an effiecient and effective manner to help you save your natural and monetary resources.

Available for all Counties within the Southwest Florida Water Management District

75% Reimbursement up to a Maximum of $5,000

Items Eligible for Cost Share

Soil Moisture Probes/Tensiometers

Soil/Tissue Testing to Determine Fertilizer Recommendations
Water Table Observation Wells
Weather Station w/ET measurement
Data Logger/Telemetry Unit/Power Sources/Software
Culverts w/Riser Board Structures
EC/Salinity Measuring Devices or Equivalent Technologies
Surface Water Irrigation Pumps, Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Groundwater Irrigation Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Totalizing Flow Meters for Systems Not Required to Meter by WMD
Closed-Pipeline Water Delivery/Tailwater Recovery
Water Quality Test Kit
Petiole Sap Test
Soil pH Testing Kit
Permanent Fertigation Facility
Wetland Exclusion Fencing/Temporary Fencing for Denuded Areas
Other Approved Water Quality Improvement Projects
Other Approved Water Conservation Projects

Also there is funding for weather stations.  Some restrictions apply...
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has established a cost-share program to help producers enrolled in FDACS BMPs purchase on-site weather stations and temperature sensors. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Producers who own operations with less than 300 acres of production land may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each operation. Producers who own larger operations may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each 300 acres of production land on the operation(s). FDACS will provide 75 percent of the cost up to a $25,000 maximum per producer, with a $5,000 cap per station/sensors set.

The stations will be installed by a company that agrees to meet the approved specifications, at the on-site location(s) the farmer designates.  These weather stations will collect real-time information throughout the year on rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, dew point, wind speed, and wind direction. The information will be accessible to producers on their smartphones and computers, through a University of Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) website. 

Why purchase a weather station?  The use of weather stations helps producers:

• Better determine when to delay irrigation after rainfall and when to irrigate during frost/freeze events, which can reduce water use and save costs on pump operation.

• Better determine when to use fungicide or pesticide sprays or foliar fertilizer applications, which can avoid waste and save related costs.

• Enhance the potential for reducing the pumping of surface and ground water and the runoff and leaching of fertilizers and other farm chemicals into water resources.

For more information on these cost-share programs, and assistance with applying, please contact:
FDACS Jessica Stempien (813) 985-7481

Wetlands Restorations with USDA

This in from the USDA...

Funding Available for Wetland Protection and Habitat Improvement


Proposals due February 10, 2012

Gainesville, FL., January 24, 2012 — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Carlos Suarez today announced a funding opportunity for wetland protection, restoration and enhancement activities on eligible lands in Florida. Funding comes through the agency’s Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP), with up to $17 million available nationwide.

WREP is a voluntary conservation program that works through partnership agreements with states, nongovernmental organizations and tribes, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Partnership proposals for WREP projects are due by Friday, February 10, 2012.

“This is a great opportunity for Florida stakeholders to carry out high-priority wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat,” Suarez said. “WREP is an important conservation tool and I encourage eligible entities who are interested to send us their proposals as soon as possible.”

WREP is a component of the Wetlands Reserve Program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high-priority wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat.

Benefits to partners in WREP agreements include:

· Wetland Restoration in high-priority areas;

· The ability to cost-share restoration or enhancement components beyond those required by NRCS;

· Participating in management or monitoring of selected project locations; and

· Opportunities to use innovative restoration methods and practices.

Eligible partners may submit general WREP proposals for individual, watershed-wide or larger geographical area projects. WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match.

State NRCS staffs will use a competitive process to evaluate the proposals. Recommended proposals will then be competed nationally for final selection and funding.

This announcement is for General WREP proposals. Proposals submitted through the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative are being solicited under a separate Request for Proposals as published in the Federal Register on January 3, 2012.

To submit a proposal or receive information about General WREP, visit www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or contact Roney Gutierrez, 2614 NW 43 Street, Gainesville, Fl, 32606, 352-338-9502, or roney.gutierrez@fl.usda.gov. WREP proposals submitted by fax or through Grants.gov will not be accepted.

USDA Update for Conservation Funding

This in from the USDA...

Opportunities Available Now for Conservation Assistance and Funding

Apply before October 31, 2011 cut-off date

GAINESVILLE, FL, September 1, 2011 — The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is encouraging landowners, farmers and producers to visit their local NRCS office now to receive more information and apply for conservation technical assistance and possible cost share opportunities.

The application process for 2008 Farm Bill conservation programs is continuous, but funding selections are only made once a year. The Florida NRCS application cutoff date for consideration for Federal Fiscal Year 2012 funds is October 31, 2011.

“Applications received after that date will be considered for future funding periods,” said State Conservationist Carlos Suarez. “We’re urging producers to get their applications in as soon as possible to be considered for this year’s funding.”

NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.

Cost share funding is available to eligible applicants for the following Farm Bill programs:

· The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, NRCS develops contracts with agricultural producers to voluntarily implement conservation practices. Persons engaged in livestock or agricultural production and owners of non-industrial private forestland are eligible for the program. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland, and other farm or ranch lands.

· The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for developing or improving high quality habitat that supports fish and wildlife populations of National, State, Tribal, and local significance. Through WHIP, the NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to eligible private and Tribal landowners for the development of upland, wetland, aquatic, and other types of wildlife habitat.

The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Tribes to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring eligible land from agriculture.

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a program for landowners and operators to protect grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland, shrubland, and certain other lands.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is available on Tribal and private agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land. CSP encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities; and improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.

Seventy percent of the land in the United States is privately owned, making stewardship by private landowners vital to the health of our Nation’s environment.

NRCS encourages interested parties to visit with our staff as soon as possible. Applicants who apply early have more time to resolve any program or land eligibility issues.

Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, and programs is available on its website at www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA - NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to your telephone directory under “U. S. Government, Department of Agriculture”, or http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

This in from the USDA...

Apply Now to Protect Your Farm and Ranch Lands
Proposals Must Be Submitted by March 21, 2011

Gainesville, FL., January 21, 2011 – If you have farm or ranch lands you want to protect from development, now is the time to apply for help. The USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals now for funding opportunities for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). USDA-NRCS, in partnership with State, Tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations, acquires conservation easements, or other interests in land, from landowners. FRPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farms and ranch lands in agricultural use and to protect historic or archeological resources. NRCS provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

The 2008 Farm Bill provided for a continuous signup to allow eligible entities more opportunities to sign up, but a batching date has been established for fiscal year 2011 funds. Applications must be submitted on or before March 21, 2011, to receive consideration for funding in fiscal year 2011.

Land proposed for the FRPP must meet one of three eligibility categories: 1. Have prime, unique or other productive soil; 2. Contain historic or archeological resources; or 3. Further State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program.

Eligible entities must secure the appraisal, survey, and title search, prepare the conservation easement deed, and pay for the closing.

-more-
Owners of the parcels must have an adjusted gross income of less than one million dollars and be in compliance with the USDA highly erodible land and wetland compliance requirements.

Proposals should be submitted to the attention of Zakia Williams, USDA-NRCS, 2614 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL, 32606. NRCS will obligate funding for the selected parcels in a cooperative agreement with the eligible entities that submitted the selected parcel.

The proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the entity’s eligibility, land eligibility, and the extent to which the proposal supports FRPP objectives. Proposals must include adequate proof of a pending offer for the subject land. Adequate proof includes a written bid, contract, commitment, or option extended to a landowner. Pending offers based upon appraisals completed and signed by State-certified general appraisers will receive higher priority for FRPP funding. The proposal shall also contain the following:
· Acreage of the proposed project area (acreage needing protection);
· Acreage of prime, unique, and/or locally important farm land soils that is estimated to be protected;
· Number or acreage of historic and archaeological sites estimated to be protected on farm or ranch lands;
· FRPP cost per acre;
· Rate of land conversion within the County;
· Percentage of funding guaranteed to be provided by cooperating entities;
· History of cooperating entities' experience with acquiring, managing, holding, and enforcing easements (including average annual farmland protection easement expenditures over the past five years, accomplishments, and staff);
· Amount of FRPP funding requested; and
· Participating entities’ estimated unfunded backlog of conservation easements on acres eligible for FRPP assistance.

For more information check out the FRPP website, www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/flfrpp.html or contact Zakia Williams, (352) 338-9554, zakia.williams@fl.usda.gov .

USDA Seeking Grant Request

This just in from the USDA.

For Immediate Release

Proposals for Grants Requested to Help Farmers and Ranchers Improve Environmental Quality and Energy Efficiency
Applications must be received by December 28, 2010.

Gainesville, FL., December 1, 2010—The USDA is seeking proposals for grants to improve water quality, air quality and promote energy conservation. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making available $25 million nationwide through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program to address natural resource concerns.
Now in its eighth year, the CIG program offers funding dedicated to the adoption of technologies to address a broad range of agricultural issues. For example, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is working with several partners on the Florida Ranchlands Environmental Services Project (FRESP) to design and field-test a program that would pay ranchers in the Northern Everglades for providing environmental services of water retention and phosphorus load reduction.
Successful applicants will demonstrate that their projects use innovative, on-the-ground conservation approaches and technologies. Funds will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process with applications being accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Applications will be accepted from all eligible individuals, non-federal governments and non-governmental organizations, including federally recognized tribes and private businesses.
This year, a two-phase competitive process will be implemented. In phase one, all applicants will be required to submit a pre-proposal; in phase two, only those applicants selected during the pre-proposal phase will be asked to submit a full application package. All proposed CIG projects must involve producers who are eligible for NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which offers financial and technical assistance to help producers implement conservation practices on agricultural land.
The federal contribution for a single project cannot exceed $1 million. At least 50 percent of the total cost of the project must come from non-federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee. Grants are available for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed 3 years. Proposed projects must comply with the description of innovative conservation projects or activities established in the Announcement for Program Funding (APF).
Pre-proposal applications must be received at the NRCS National Headquarters by close of business December 28, 2010. To view the complete APF, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cig/index.html. To apply electronically, visit: www.grants.gov/. Additional information on NRCS and our programs is available on our website at www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app .

USDA Incentives for Sustainable Producers

Here is the latest in government programs to help producers become more sustainable:

Opportunities Available Now for Conservation Assistance and Funding
Act now before October 29, 2010 cut-off date


GAINESVILLE, September 2, 2010 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has set a cutoff date of October 29, 2010, to submit applications for several voluntary conservation programs that may help eligible participants pay for conservation practices to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, restore wetlands and provide habitat for wildlife.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, NRCS develops contracts with agricultural producers to voluntarily implement conservation practices. Persons engaged in livestock or agricultural production and owners of non-industrial private forestland are eligible for the program. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland, and other farm or ranch lands.
The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for developing or improving high quality habitat that supports fish and wildlife populations of National, State, Tribal, and local significance. Through WHIP, the NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to private and Tribal landowners for the development of upland, wetland, aquatic, and other types of wildlife habitat.
The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Tribes to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring eligible land from agriculture.
The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a program for landowners and operators to protect grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland, shrubland, and certain other lands.
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is available on Tribal and private agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land. CSP encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities; and improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.
NRCS encourages interested parties to visit with our staff as soon as possible. Applicants who apply early have more time to resolve any program or land eligibility issues.
Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, Florida NRCS has established a cut-off date of October 29, 2010 for evaluation and ranking of eligible applications for the 2011 program year.
For more information on conservation assistance contact your local NRCS Field Office listed in the telephone directory under “U. S. Government” or www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/index