Texas – The Texas Department of Agriculture, led by Sid Miller, announced the launch of the Agricultural Defense Program (AgDefense), a new initiative aimed at protecting farmers and ranchers from threats such as pests, disease, and depredating animals.
The program, administered in partnership with the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, is now accepting letters of intent under Chapter 58 of the Texas Agriculture Code. It will provide targeted financial assistance for projects designed to strengthen agricultural defenses and reduce losses across the state.
Texas agriculture generates hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity and plays a critical role in supporting rural communities statewide. Officials said continued investment in science-based solutions is necessary to prevent emerging threats from spreading and causing widespread damage.
Through the program, funding will support efforts led by the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. These efforts may include monitoring, response strategies, and field-level interventions targeting invasive pests, livestock diseases, crop threats, and wildlife-related damage.
State officials said the program is designed to remain flexible, allowing agencies to respond quickly to evolving agricultural risks. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis to help ensure timely action against emerging threats.
