What is TCSI?
The Texas Climate Smart Initiative (TCSI) is a 3-4 year program that allows producers to engage in climate-smart practices to improve the efficiency of their agricultural production systems. We are looking for farmers, ranchers, and small forest owners in Texas to participate in this project. Whether it’s trees, row crops, grazing land, hay pasture, etc., you could benefit from joining this program and we would love to have you!
What are the benefits?
There are many great benefits to joining the TCSI. First, if you join the program, you will be given an incentive to implement the practices recommended to you based on your production goals. Joining could possibly save your operation money in the long run. These practices are designed to make sure your operation requires less resources (like fertilizer and irrigation) and will improve commodity resilience to stress (flood, drought, cold, heat, etc.), as well as improve or maintain soil quality. On top of these personal benefits, there are also societal benefits. These practices can protect the environment by reducing nutrient runoff and soil erosion. We aim to mitigate climate change by storing carbon in the soil, which offsets greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
What are the practices that may be implemented?
All of the practices are based on climate smart practices recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Some of the common practices that may be implemented on your property include forest stand improvement, range planting, conservation cover, cover crop, reduced till, no-till, nutrient management, and more. These practices will be selected specifically based on your operation. To learn more about the possible practices that could be implemented, you can visit the following link.
Pasture in Overton, TX
Producer Resources – Texas Climate-Smart Initiative (tamu.edu)
What is required of you?
To join the TCSI, you must apply online. Information needed includes an FSA number, completed AD 2047, completed AD 1026, and certification that you are not a foreign person or entity. From there, if you are selected, you will sign a contract agreeing to implement your assigned plan. To receive the incentives you will be required to implement the agreed upon practices. There will also be periodic assessments by the Climate Smart Ambassador and Climate Smart Planner in your region, including soil measurements (years 1 and 4) and greenhouse gas sampling (4 times/year).
How do I get started?
Follow the link below for more information and to begin your online application!
– Texas Climate-Smart Initiative (tamu.edu)
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!