$25 Million Boost for Florida Water Projects
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is announcing $25 million in grant funding aimed at improving and protecting the state’s water resources. The funding will support agriculture focused projects that improve water quality and water supply in the Middle and Lower Suwannee River Basin and the Lake Okeechobee Basin. Along the way, the projects will also benefit wetlands, wildlife habitat, and long term agricultural sustainability.
“Protecting Florida’s water resources is essential to our state’s future, and Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are central to that mission,” Simpson said. He says these large scale, science based projects prove environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity can work together.
The funding comes through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural Regional Projects Program, led by the Office of Agricultural Water Policy. The program focuses on reducing nonpoint source pollution by encouraging collaboration between farmers and water resource partners. One funded effort is the Shenandoah Dairy Project in Gilchrist County, which aims to reduce nitrogen entering groundwater through infrastructure upgrades. A full list of projects can be found at https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2025-Press-Releases/Commissioner-Wilton-Simpson-Awards-25M-in-Funding-to-Support-Agricultural-Water-Resource-Projects
