Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Monroe County sits within the Florida Everglades and Associated Areas (MLRA 156A) region. Elevation averages about 1 feet.
Temperatures in Monroe County range from a January mean low of 58°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 52.0 inches.
Monroe County ran 39 farms and 76 acres of farmland in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: aquatic plants, corn, and flowering plants, potted.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Florida Keys |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 13+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Monroe County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1450 N Krome Ave Ste 102, Florida City, FL 33034
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Hurricane recovery and saltwater intrusion mitigation receive priority through disaster assistance programs. Conservation programs focus on protecting coral reef ecosystems and managing stormwater from agricultural areas.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Collier County, Florida and Miami-Dade County, Florida. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Monroe County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Florida guide: Florida Farm Programs Guide
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