State Sen. Michael Bennett and Rep. Nancy Detert recently presented a $1 million check to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) in support of the Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) program.
The FARMS program is a cost-share reimbursement program that conserves water and protects water quality.
Through accurate and efficient irrigation utilizing the latest technology, farmers are able to save water and fuel, said David Brown, FARMS program manager. The rising cost of fuel needed to run irrigation well pumps is an additional incentive for farmers to participate in the program.
Representatives at the presentation included the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Farm Bureau, Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, and several FARMS project participants. Also in attendance were District Governing Board Members Tom Dabney and Patsy Symons; Manasota Basin Board Members Mac Carraway and Frank Strelec; and Peace River Basin Board Members Ken Harrison and Paul Samuels.
The FARMS program has two priority areas: the Upper Myakka River watershed and Shell Creek, Prairie Creek and Joshua Creek watersheds. The Upper Myakka River watershed includes portions of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Shell Creek, Prairie Creek and Joshua Creek watersheds include portions of DeSoto and Charlotte counties.
The FARMS program is jointly funded by state appropriations, the District’s General Fund, the District’s Alafia River, Peace River and Manasota basin boards, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Currently, the District Governing Board has approved 22 FARMS projects. There are 13 projects under construction and 20 additional active potential projects identified and in the planning stages.
It is anticipated that 2.4 billion gallons of water have been offset through FARMS, equating to approximately 2.5 million gallons per day.