House Bill No. 5339 aims to establish the Higher Education Regenerative Agriculture Grant Program within the Texas Education Code. This program is designed to support institutions of higher education in conducting research on the environmental and health impacts of pesticide use, developing methods for transitioning to organic and pesticide-free farming, and providing education on regenerative agriculture practices. The bill defines "regenerative agriculture" and outlines the principles that guide these practices, such as maintaining soil health and increasing biodiversity. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will oversee the program, which will prioritize non-land-grant universities and those with strong partnerships with agricultural producers.

The bill also details the purposes for which grant funds may be used, including multi-year research projects, educational programs, and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving agricultural sustainability. Institutions receiving grants will be required to submit annual progress reports, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will work with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board to align grant-funded research with existing conservation efforts. The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, and the board is tasked with making application forms and guidelines available by January 1, 2026.

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