Farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) are once again exceeding federal phosphorus reduction goals through their ongoing commitment to protecting Florida’s water resources.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) announced that EAA farmers achieved a 65% reduction in phosphorus levels during Water Year 2026 (May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026), nearly three times the 25% reduction required under the Everglades Forever Act.
This achievement is the result of significant investments in on-farm infrastructure and the implementation of best management practices designed to improve water quality while maintaining productive agricultural operations. These efforts include:
- Precision fertilizer application, water table management and sediment control measures that reduce nutrient runoff
- Stormwater treatment areas that filter phosphorus from water before it enters the Everglades
- Expanded water storage capacity that reduces flooding during seasonal water surpluses
The EAA program covers roughly 474,000 acres of farmland and represents the largest private-sector contribution to Everglades restoration. Farmers have invested more than $500 million in restoration efforts through on-farm projects and the agricultural privilege tax.
These ongoing efforts help improve water quality throughout South Florida while ensuring farms remain productive for future generations.
