[Ctyfc] TX winter storm resources + SPI stakeholder mtng

[Small Producers Initiative]

Hey farmers,

Some of you may have already received this from SPI, but I'm passing it along in case it helps anyone (thanks, Carolina). FSA & RMA are hosting info sessions tomorrow, so I may have more on those programs later. Reach out if you have questions and we'll try to get them answered!

For producers who suffered damages from the winter storms:

  *   NRCS EQIP is accepting applications for repair and replacement of on-farm conservation infrastructure, including high tunnels, irrigation systems, roofs and covers, water storage facilities, and more. You can find the press release on the TX NRCS homepage<https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/tx/home/>. There are three application deadlines for storm damages: March 5, March 19, and April 2.
  *   TDA's STAR Fund is accepting applications<https://www.texasagriculture.gov/Home/ProductionAgriculture/DisasterAssistance/STARFund.aspx?emci=adc636a0-7d77-eb11-9889-00155d43c992&emdi=0ed09406-9277-eb11-9889-00155d43c992&ceid=1382675> for repairs and replacements on Texas farms and ranches. This is a 50% cost-share program. Applications are due by June 28.
  *   FSA and RMA offer several disaster programs<https://www.farmers.gov/connect/blog/disaster-planning-and-assistance/usda-offers-disaster-assistance-producers-facing> for all types of producers, which SPI will be briefed on in more detail tomorrow.
  *   TOFGA has compiled an excellent list of resources on their website<http://tofga.org/disaster_relief_resources>.
  *   The Central Texas Young Farmers Coalition has developed an open, shared spreadsheet<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DzNNC2n3MfjetUDejwZu3lTt_73epDJHLItKv75Mdsw/edit#gid=454831581> where farmers can post what they need, what they have to offer others in need, workday/volunteer requests, and more.
  *   Please feel free to reach out if you'd like help navigating disaster assistance programs. We will do our best to help and/or connect you with someone who can.

  *   Lastly, please fill out this survey<https://www.foodshedinvestors.com/information-request.html> so Texas farm organizations can accurately assess damages and work on fundraising efforts! Please put SPI as your reference if you have not already filled it out.

For ag professionals and farm supporters:

  *   Several statewide ag organizations have created a fundraiser for Texas farmers impacted by the storm<https://www.gofundme.com/f/Texas-Farmer-Winter-Storm-Relief?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR2GEN3EXcdSlXASky8CBtHg6epKlNROO9KfH8kWM_2aWtHfJ0wk-jIRIaw>.
  *   You can donate to TDA's Star Fund<https://www.texasagriculture.gov/home/productionagriculture/disasterassistance/starfund.aspx> to help with disaster recovery now and in the future.
  *   You can also donate to the Central Texas Farmers Cooperative fundraiser<https://www.centraltexasfarmers.com/?fbclid=IwAR0QvteCtpL5A6PghdckSDy3iQEzJpCMN0v5wIVgjEjK9Y1ubRKSdPg58jU>.

Finally, a quick reminder that we have our Farmer Stakeholder Meeting<https://txstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkd-igqDooGNKDHWcRcZ-qDldGwBYc7uep?fbclid=IwAR0sO4BjHHPT6AvOAPbMsG1Kr7jWvdKaSENdU0ba--jaYPunYkMFY9nedBw> next Wednesday, March 3rd at 3pm. Registration is free but required. We postponed due to the winter storm and understand there are more pertinent needs for many. For those of you who can make it, we plan to do a brief presentation about our new technical assistance program and gather input from producers on what training and technical assistance needs you have moving forward. We will host more meeting like these in the future.

All my best,


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Katie Tritsch
Small Producers Initiative
Texas State University
512-618-3306

smallproducersinitiative.txstate.edu<https://www.smallproducersinitiative.txstate.edu/>
<https://www.smallproducersinitiative.txstate.edu/>
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