PALM BEACH COUNTY — South Florida’s sugarcane, vegetable, fruit, sod and rice farmers have reached another milestone in their 30-year commitment of on-farm efforts to clean water.

According to the South Florida Water Management District, farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) this year achieved a 62% annual phosphorus reduction – more than double the 25% reduction required under Florida’s 1996 Everglades Forever Act. Since the program began three decades ago, EAA farmers’ clean water efforts have averaged a 57% annual reduction.

The results for Water Year 2025 were shared today during the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Meeting in West Palm Beach. Farmers were recognized for their significant efforts to improve water quality in the region.

“South Florida farmers came in 39% below the target load for phosphorus and 77% below the limit C1,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member Ben Butler. “So, both basins well outperformed their expectations this year and I want to say thank you to those farmers.”

The 2025 numbers indicate once again that EAA farmers successfully implemented innovative methods to keep water and nutrient rich soils on the fields and out of local waterways. EAA farmers have removed thousands of metric tons of phosphorus in the water flowing south from their farms since the Best Management Practices program began thirty years ago.

In a recent letter sent to EAA landowners from SFWMD, it noted, “these successes would not be realized without your active participation.” “Thank you for your continued contributions toward making the BMP program a success, as it is vital to the restoration and protection of the Everglades,” the letter continued.

Farmers use science-based innovative farming methods called Best Management Practices (BMPs) that play a critical role in achieving water quality standards. Through a partnership with the University of Florida, on-farm BMPs were developed to reduce soil erosion and help cleanse the water. There are many techniques available in today’s high-tech farming industry. Some examples include GPS laser land leveling, soil sampling analysis, and highly managed pumping practices designed to reduce soil erosion on farms. The EAA is the most stringently monitored farming area for soil, water, and air quality in the United States.

“EAA farmers, along with farmers across Florida, continue to implement Best Management Practices that deliver cleaner water,” said Jake Fojtik, Assistant Director of Government & Community Affairs with the Florida Farm Bureau. “These BMPs also provide vital wildlife habitat and greenspace while ensuring a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply for our nation.”

Florida Sugarcane Farmers provide $4.7 billion per year to Florida’s economy, employing 19,201 Floridians. On many farms, dozens of fresh fruits and vegetables along with rice, herbs and spices are grown in rotation with sugarcane. For more information, please follow Florida Sugarcane Farmers on Twitter and like us on Facebook.