Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced Tuesday the launch of the $100 million AgLink Continuity Grant, a program designed to assist Texas food processing facilities impacted by natural disasters.
The grant will provide up to $100 million in state funding to eligible agricultural processing and storage facilities experiencing revenue loss due to droughts, floods, wildfires, winter storms, or other natural disasters.
Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded through a competitive evaluation process, with applications expected to open mid- to late February 2026, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.
“Our ability to feed and clothe the nation depends on a strong supply chain – and that includes our processors as well as our producers,” Miller said while announcing the program. “The AgLink Continuity Grant is going to strengthen the safety net for all of Texas Agriculture.”
While farmers and ranchers can access crop insurance and federal disaster programs, the cotton gins, grain elevators, warehouses, and rice dryers that process their harvests often have no safety net when disasters strike.
According to the department, when natural disasters reduce the volume of crops delivered for processing, facilities can experience significant revenue loss and may not qualify for traditional disaster assistance. Officials said continued operation of these facilities is essential to maintaining the agricultural supply chain.
The program was authorized under House Bill 43 during the 89th Legislative Session. Introduced by State Representative Stan Kitzman, the bill took effect immediately on June 20, 2025, according to legislative records. Miller described the session as “one of the strongest ever for Texas agriculture.”
“When critical processing or marketing operations shut down, even temporarily, producers lose affordable local access,” Miller said. “The AgLink Continuity Grant ensures these businesses stay open, resilient, and ready to serve when producers need them most…Strengthening food resiliency protects our food supply and helps keep grocery costs down for Texans.”
The program will be run jointly by the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority. Eligible facilities include those that handle cotton, grain, rice, and other agricultural commodities. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive selection process, according to the department.
The AgLink program is part of a bigger package of agricultural investments secured during the legislative session. Miller also said that lawmakers approved historic funding for water conservation programs and more overall financial support for farmers and ranchers. The state’s agricultural sector contributes more than $115 billion annually to the Texas economy, according to state officials.
Unlike producers who can file crop insurance claims or access federal disaster relief, many agricultural processing facilities do not qualify for similar assistance. State officials said the grant program is intended to provide working capital during periods of disaster-related revenue loss.
Agricultural business owners and facility operators interested in the program are encouraged to visit the Texas Department of Agriculture website for information on eligibility requirements, the application process, and deadline notifications.
“This is about keeping Texas agriculture strong from field to fork,” Miller said.
