Dear Florida Citrus Growers:
We want to urgently inform you that USDA-NRCS will be utilizing the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to provide financial assistance for producers affected by any of the storms during the 2024 Hurricane Season. The list of eligible practices includes a bundle of nutrient management with pest management (IPCs). Please review the information below and, if of interest, please utilize the attached EQIP application and waiver request form and apply at our local FO, as soon as possible.
Please know that the funding authority that we will be using for emergency, is Act Now. This funding authority takes into consideration both resource concerns, as well as the date of when the application is received. The date of when the application is received will be used to prioritize funding. In other words, it is on a first come first serve basis. Field visits and financial assistance will be coordinated following the order in which applications were received.
To maintain eligibility for reimbursement, both an EQIP application must be submitted to NRCS, and an Early Start Waiver must be approved by NRCS, prior to the work being commenced. Is important to note, that an early start waiver is not a guarantee of selection for financial assistance and payment.
Applications or questions can be sent by email or taken by telephone:
- Polk County:
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Email: Jose.NunezMaldonado@usda.gov
- Telephone:
- Bartow Field Office: 863-533-2051 Ext 3
- District Conservationist cell: 863-344-9171
- Palmetto Area Office: 941-729-6804 Ext 3
- Hardee/Desoto County:
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Email: Dan.Schabilion@usda.gov
- Telephone:
- Wauchula Field Office: 863-533-2051 Ext 3
- District Conservationist cell: 352-538-4174
- Palmetto Area Office: 941-729-6804 Ext 3
- Hillsborough County:
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Email: Leslie.diazalvarez@usda.gov
- Telephone:
- Plant City Field Office: 813-752-1474 Ext 3
- District Conservationist cell: 813-399-1431
- Palmetto Area Office: 941-729-6804 Ext 3
- Manatee/Sarasota Counties:
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Email: Israel.Vega-Marrero@usda.gov
- Telephone:
- Sarasota Field Office: 813-752-1474 Ext 3
- District Conservationist cell: 941-209-9776
- Palmetto Area Office: 941-729-6804 Ext 3
- Other Counties:
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Email: Walter.Albarran@usda.gov
- Telephone:
- Area Conservationist Cell: 352-262-5417
- Palmetto Area Office: 941-729-6804 Ext 3
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
…………………………………………………
Walter Albarran | ASTC/FO
USDA – NRCS – Palmetto Area Office
324 8th Av W, Ste 104, Palmetto, FL 34221
W: 941-981-4467 | C: 352-262-5417
E: Walter.Albarran@usda.gov
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