Many of our fellow Texans are in need of a helping hand. Texas Agriculture farmers, ranchers, producers, and agribusiness owners are rebuilding and working towards picking up the pieces after devastating natural disasters. As these disasters continue to impact Texas farmers and ranchers, the need for donations continues.

The STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund) was created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and entities to fund disaster recovery efforts. STAR Fund money may be used to assist farmers, ranchers and agribusiness owners in rebuilding fences, restoring operations and paying for other agricultural disaster relief. If you’d like to help folks impacted by the wildfire, floods or tornadoes, consider making a donation to the STAR Fund. The Program is designed to provide relief to Texas agricultural entities adversely impacted by natural disasters. Drought is not an eligible natural disaster under the STAR fund. Please refer to your local Farm Service Agency for drought assistance.

We are Texans, and when disaster strikes, we rise up to help our neighbors. The STAR Fund is one way to do that. TDA is offering a cost share to qualified agricultural producers. STAR Fund money may be used to assist in rebuilding fences, restoring operations, and paying for other agricultural disaster relief costs needed to rebuild their agricultural operations. To qualify for eligibility, the applicant's county must be included in either a declaration of disaster by the Governor of Texas or a declaration of agricultural emergency by the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. After which, they have 90 days from the date of either proclamation to turn in an application.

For each future disaster proclamation, the TDA and the Texas Agriculture Commissioner will determine if this Program should be activated, as well as specific details, including maximum award amounts.

Funds are not intended to compensate individuals or businesses for losses incurred but to assist agricultural producers in cost-sharing some of the unexpected expenses associated with the repair or replacement of items necessary for their agricultural operation. See the application for more information. Verification of the damage caused by the disaster is required prior to TDA disbursing funds. Please include any pictures, certifications, or other documentation of the damage.