There are many resources available for Florida blueberry growers to pursue government programs and grants.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
The FDAC website is a comprehensive resource for information about obtaining a pesticide application license or certificate and continuing education requirements.
Growers can also apply to be a member of the FDAC’s “Fresh from Florida” marketing and promotion program.
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
UF/IFAS maintains a database of the resources available to Florida blueberry growers.
- UF Blueberry Breeding(horticultural or variety specific resources)
- IFAS Extension Offices
- Electronic Data Information Source Publications
- Disaster Assistance, Preparation and Recovery Information
Florida Water Management Districts Cost-Share Programs
The St. Johns River Water Management District offers cost-share opportunities and programs year-round for water conservation and reduction of nutrient run-off.
Covered counties include: Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Nassau, Seminole, St. Johns, Volusia, and portions of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Lake, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Putnam counties.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) program is an agricultural cost-share program to encourage best management practices.
Covered counties include: Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Sumter, and portions of Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Levy, Marion, and Polk counties.
The South Florida Water Management District’s Cooperative Funding Program to assist with construction and/or implementation of alternative water supply and water conservation that support or complement the district’s goals
Covered counties include: Broward, Collier, Dade, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Monroe, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and portions of Charlotte, Highlands, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties.
The Suwannee River Water Management District Agricultural cost-share program assists agricultural operations with cost-share to advance BMPs.
Covered counties include: Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and portions of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Jefferson, and Levy counties.