AUSTIN – Commissioner Miller, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority (TAFA) have announced the creation of the $100 million AgLink Continuity Grant, a new initiative designed to reinforce Texas’ agricultural supply chain and protect critical food and fiber infrastructure during times of disaster.
The AgLink Continuity Grant will provide financial assistance to eligible agricultural processing and storage facilities that are at risk of closing due to revenue losses caused by natural disasters. The program is structured to preserve jobs, maintain continuity of services, and ensure the stability of essential agricultural operations that producers depend on to move commodities to market.
AgLink is specifically designed to deliver working capital that helps stabilize operations during periods of disaster-related revenue loss. Through a competitive evaluation and selection process, qualifying businesses may receive grants of up to $500,000. Applications are expected to open in mid- to late February 2026.
“Our ability to feed and clothe the nation depends on a strong supply chain—and that includes our processors as well as our producers,” Commissioner Miller said. “The AgLink Continuity Grant is going to strengthen the safety net for all of Texas Agriculture. Strengthening food resiliency protects our food supply and helps keep grocery costs down for Texans.”
The new program is funded through House Bill 43, a major reinvestment in Texas agriculture introduced by State Representative Stan Kitzman and backed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Approved during the Texas 89th Legislative Session, the legislation directs state funding toward a comprehensive support package aimed at farmers, ranchers, and agricultural processors who routinely face weather extremes, natural disasters, and volatile economic pressures.
AgLink was created to address critical assistance gaps that often leave processing and handling facilities without access to traditional disaster relief. While agricultural producers may qualify for crop insurance or federal disaster programs, many processors and storage operators do not have similar protections. Yet their continued operation is essential to maintaining a functional agricultural marketplace.
The grant program will support key agricultural processing and handling businesses across the state, including cotton gins, grain elevators, grain warehouses, and rice dryers. When events such as drought, wildfire, flooding, or winter storms disrupt production, these facilities frequently experience significant declines in raw commodity deliveries. That reduction in throughput can quickly create severe financial strain, threatening closures that ripple throughout the broader agricultural economy.
Because producers rely on these facilities to process, market, and sell their commodities, even temporary shutdowns can create lasting supply chain disruptions. Loss of local processing capacity may force producers to travel farther distances, incur higher transportation costs, or delay marketing opportunities — consequences that can extend well beyond the immediate disaster recovery period.
“The 89th Legislative session was one of the strongest ever for Texas agriculture,” Commissioner Miller said. “From historic investments into water conservation to expanded financial support for our farmers and ranchers, we fought hard, and the Legislature delivered. When critical processing or marketing operations shut down, even temporarily, producers lose affordable local access. The AgLink Continuity Grant ensures these businesses stay open, resilient, and ready to serve when producers need them most.”
Facility owners and operators seeking more information on eligibility requirements, application timelines, or program updates are encouraged to visit the Texas Department of Agriculture website and sign up for notifications as the application window approaches.
