USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Juan M. Garcia announced that 28 counties in Texas have been approved for Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funding to restore permanent fences and address damages to agricultural lands by recent wildfires.

The following counties were approved for ECP funding:  Archer, Brewster, Clay, Coke, Crosby, Fisher, Garza, Hartley, Jack, Jeff Davis, Kent, King, Lipscomb, Midland, Mitchell, Moore, Motley, Palo Pinto, Pecos, Presidio, Scurry, Stephens, Stonewall, Terrell, Terry, Tom Green, Wichita and Young

ECP provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers who want to repair farmland damaged by natural disasters.

It is important for producers to submit their requests for ECP assistance to FSA prior to beginning reconstructive work. Completing reconstructive work before submitting an ECP request could result in forfeiture of program eligibility.

“I realize that there are extenuating circumstances that must be addressed for public and livestock safety and health reasons, but I strongly recommend at least calling our office before any reconstructive action is taken,” said Garcia. 

Producers can use ECP funds to remove debris on agricultural lands, restore fences, grade and shape land and repair existing conservation structures damaged by the qualifying disaster.

Conservation problems that existed before the disaster are not eligible for ECP assistance. ECP program participants can receive financial assistance for up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency conservation practices.

For more information on ECP, please contact your local FSA office or visit FSA online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/tx.

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