Texas USDA Programs Programs
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) deliver conservation cost-share, disaster assistance, and rural development programs throughout Texas.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) — Texas
Texas has diverse ag regions — Panhandle irrigation to East Texas forestry.
What it provides: Financial and technical assistance for conservation practices on agricultural land.
Assistance: Cost-share for fencing, water systems, cover crops, and nutrient management.
Eligibility: Competitive ranking — priority for resource concerns in local area.
Who may qualify:
- Texas farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners
- Active agricultural operation
Requirements:
- Conservation plan with NRCS
- Contract for practice implementation
How to apply: Apply at local Texas NRCS field office during signup periods.
Official source: USDA NRCS Texas
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) — Texas
Larger Texas operations benefit from whole-farm approach.
What it provides: Payments for maintaining and enhancing existing conservation on working lands.
Assistance: Supplemental payments for advanced conservation activities.
Eligibility: Must address resource priorities in contract.
Who may qualify:
- Operators meeting stewardship thresholds on entire agricultural operation
Requirements:
- Five-year contract
- Annual reporting
How to apply: Contact Texas NRCS office; often follows prior EQIP participation.
Official source: USDA NRCS — CSP
USDA Rural Development — Texas
Overlaps with housing and business topic pages — same state RD office.
What it provides: Housing, utility, and community facility loans and grants in rural Texas.
Assistance: Water/sewer infrastructure, fire stations, and rural broadband projects.
Eligibility: Address must qualify as rural per USDA map.
Who may qualify:
- Rural communities, nonprofits, and utilities
- Homebuyers in eligible areas
Requirements:
- Application through Texas RD state office
How to apply: Monitor texasrd.usda.gov for funding notices.
Official source: USDA Rural Development Texas