The Farm Service Agency in Hidalgo County is accepting applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Conservation Program, which helps farmers and ranchers restore their farmlands to pre-disaster conditions.
Agency Executive Director John Hinojosa reminded the agricultural community on Monday that funds to help restore lands to conditions before the February freeze are still available, but the deadline is coming up soon.
“Dealing with natural disasters is never easy, especially when you have to consider the health and safety of livestock, but it’s important for producers to call our office before they take any action,” Hinojosa said in a news release Monday.
He noted that producers must apply for assistance before beginning any reconstructive work, otherwise they may not qualify for the funds.
Applicants approved for the program may receive up to 75% off their restoration costs, which include debris removal. Those applicants who are socially disadvantaged, limited in resources or beginning farmers and ranchers could receive aid for up to 90% of all costs.
The agency began taking applications July 6 and will accept them until Aug. 6.
County committees will evaluate applications through an on-site inspection of the land, but this does not guarantee that cost-share funding will be provided.
For more information, contact the Hidalgo County FSA office at (956) 381-0916 or visit farmers.gov/recover.
