Farmers and ranchers along the southern Texas border currently impacted by damage to fields and farming infrastructure, including fencing and water structures, are eligible for financial assistance by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
“We understand that the field and farming infrastructure damages along the border are costly and have a negative impact on our natural resources that our farmers and ranchers work hard to conserve,” said NRCS Texas State Conservationist Kristy Oates. “Our field offices are ready to assist eligible producers with technical and financial assistance.”
More than 25 conservation practices qualify for assistance, such as fencing, watering facility, range planting and livestock pipeline.
The funds for this assistance are made available through a targeted initiative in specific border regions of Texas. Eligible counties in Texas include:
Brewster
Brooks
Cameron
Crockett
Culberson
Dimmit
Duval
Edwards
El Paso
Frio
Hidalgo
Hudspeth
Jeff Davis
Jim Hogg
Jim Wells
Kenedy
Kinney
Kleberg
La Salle
Live Oak
Maverick
McMullen
Pecos
Presidio
Reeves
Starr
Sutton
Terrell
Uvalde
Val Verde
Webb
Willacy
Zapata
Zavala
Funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits.
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, however, producers and landowners should apply by July 5, 2022, to be considered for this year’s funding. Enrollment applications will be selected for funding by August 5, 2022. NRCS is allowing early start waivers and a shorter enrollment period to ensure that qualifying farmers and ranchers have quick accessibility to funds.
To apply for EQIP assistance, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.
Links for more information:
El USDA destina fondos en Texas para ayudar a los productores a completar reparaciones de infraestructura en la frontera sur
EQIP Border Initiative Fact Sheet – FY22 (PDF; 342 KB)
First Visit (PDF; 935 KB)
NRCS in a Nutshell (PDF; 184 KB)
NRCS in a Nutshell – Spanish (PDF; 702 KB
More than 25 conservation practices qualify for assistance, such as fencing, watering facility, range planting and livestock pipeline.
