BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 532 89R4561 SCF-D By: Sparks Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs 3/26/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Historically, one of the largest barriers to entry for young farmers and ranchers is the capital-intensive nature of starting in the agriculture industry. The Young Farmer Grant Program (YFGP) is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) under the direction of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance in the form of dollar-for-dollar matching grant funds to young agricultural producers who are engaged or will be engaged in creating or expanding an agricultural business in Texas. Currently, a grant under the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's YFGP may not be less than $5,000 or more than $20,000, which is not enough to properly incentivize first-generation farmers and ranchers to join the industry or apply for the grant. S.B. 532 seeks to increase the minimum amount of the YFGP from $5,000 to $10,000 and the maximum amount from $20,000 to $35,000. As proposed, S.B. 532 amends current law relating to grant amounts under the young farmer grant program. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 58.093, Agriculture Code, to increase from $5,000 to $10,000 the minimum grant and from $20,000 to $35,000 the maximum grant under the young farmer grant program. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 532
89R4561 SCF-D By: Sparks
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
3/26/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 532
89R4561 SCF-D
By: Sparks
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
3/26/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Historically, one of the largest barriers to entry for young farmers and ranchers is the capital-intensive nature of starting in the agriculture industry. The Young Farmer Grant Program (YFGP) is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) under the direction of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance in the form of dollar-for-dollar matching grant funds to young agricultural producers who are engaged or will be engaged in creating or expanding an agricultural business in Texas. Currently, a grant under the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's YFGP may not be less than $5,000 or more than $20,000, which is not enough to properly incentivize first-generation farmers and ranchers to join the industry or apply for the grant. S.B. 532 seeks to increase the minimum amount of the YFGP from $5,000 to $10,000 and the maximum amount from $20,000 to $35,000.
As proposed, S.B. 532 amends current law relating to grant amounts under the young farmer grant program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 58.093, Agriculture Code, to increase from $5,000 to $10,000 the minimum grant and from $20,000 to $35,000 the maximum grant under the young farmer grant program.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.