STAR Fund
The STAR Fund supports Texas farmers, ranchers, producers and agribusiness owners by sharing disaster-related rebuilding costs, helping restore agricultural operations after wildfires and other natural disasters.
Funder: Texas Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (Winter Storm, Severe Weather, Panhandle and Getaway Pens wildfires) | January 13, 2027 (Ross and Fall 2026 wildfires)
Funding Amounts: Cost-share of up to 80% of eligible expenses
Summary: The STAR Fund helps Texas agricultural operations share the costs of rebuilding after declared natural disasters.
Key Information: The applicant’s county must be covered by a qualifying Texas disaster or agricultural emergency declaration.
Description
The State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund is a disaster recovery program run by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and funded entirely by monetary donations from private individuals and entities. It assists Texas farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers and agribusiness owners affected by natural disasters such as wildfires, floods and tornadoes. Drought is not eligible.
The fund shares costs associated with rebuilding fences, restoring operations and repairing or replacing items needed for agricultural production. It is not intended to compensate applicants for all losses. For each future disaster proclamation, TDA and the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture decide whether to activate the program and set details such as maximum award amounts.
