Los Fresnos News 12-21-22

Carmen’s to Stay

is located in Brownsville, off Paredes Line Rd. Garcia shares will be also taking over the management of a third location in San Benito, previously run by his sister.

Garcia has already expressed his hopes to continue to expand in 2021, Garcia stated back in December of 2021, “We’re already known in Brownsville but, Harlingen, McAllen…” he shared that they hope to expand the business and have Doña Carmen restaurants known all throughout the Valley.

Now, just one year later Ezequiel alongside his wife, will have their third location.

and the quality food.

Some quotes from customer reviews,

—Anselmo Delgado“Best Mexican restaurant out here! Excellent service and staff!! I Highly recommend it. Food was delicious”

—Jackie Zavala“Awesome food! Love the way they serve the agua frescas in a pitcher! My daughter loved the food as well

Child-friendly ~ Best brunch”

—Casimiro Collazo - “Very good service, very tasty food 10000% recommended. already Los Fresnos deserved a place like this”

Quality customer service is something that’s not unfamiliar to Doña

Carmen’s restaurant. Doña

Carmen's location in Los Fresnos celebrated its one-year anniversary on Tuesday, December 6th.

The Restaurant started off the bash with 15% off all meals, a mariachi band,

a free raffle for a chance to win a flat-screen TV, and even free cupcakes that they handed out to guests. All as their way of thanking their customers for the support Los Fresnos residents have shown them.

Mrs. Garcia, wife of Ezequiel Garcia, and Restaurant operator with her husband says, “We try and give back because it’s

because of them, that we can give.” Giving back, and making everyone that walks through the door feel welcome seems to be an endeavor they strive for every single day.

Though this location is celebrating one year, Ezequiel Garcia alongside his wife manages two locations currently. The other location they manage

Astonishingly, the first Doña Carmen's location was opened in 2017, and in just 5 years the franchise has successfully opened 6 locations, all run by one of Doña Carmen's children.

Mr. and Mrs. Garcia attest to the success of their locations to many things, they have many customers that say it’s the attention they receive while there

Lastly, Ezequiel shares the biggest thing is his lovely mom that started it all from just a dream. It's with her foundation laying and great modeling structure that Doña Carmen's is what it is today. You can read in full from our story last year, titled, “Doña Carmen’s Restaurant Now in Los Fresnos”.

Emilio Flores Los Fresnos News

Dona Carmen's had a live mariachi band perform at the the restaurant.

More Staff members working the day of Dona Carmen's one year anniversary. Photo taken by Emilio Flores, LFN

Mariachi band 'Mariachi son de Mexico'.Photo taken by Emilio Flores, LFN

Mr. and Mrs. Garcia with servers working that day. Photo taken by Emilio Flores, LFN.

Photo taken by Emilio Flores, LFN

Encore!

Camille Playhouse receives positive feedback on The Sound of Music

Flores Los Fresnos News

Brownsville, Texas —

Camille Lightner Playhouse in Brownsville showcased

The Sound of Music these last to weekends sharing one of the many great classics, which has seemed to have great feedback.

Artistic Director for this year’s season, Brandon Binder, share that this is something that hasn't been put on since the 60s.

Binder admits it wasn't his original proposal. He originally purposed the Christmas Show,

"We wanted something holiday oriented, but also that (would) bring in a lot of people and is pretty well known," Binder shares there were a couple of others that were thrown into the mix as well, but after much discussion, the board seemed to keep coming back to The Sound of Music.

And It seems to have had great feedback, “We had over 60 auditions just for the sound of Music," Binder shares during one of the Song of Music performances over the weekend.

After one of the Sunday performances, Binder shared “It’s been years since we’ve had some of these numbers,” he says, “And I’m just so excited for other people to feel more comfortable to come in, and I hope that we have these numbers every show from now on!”

Martie DiGregorio says, “It’s very encouraging,” She says that at Camille Playhouse they always give it their all. She says even from this last season they have seen an increase in numbers and it’s very encouraging. Currently, this is Camille Playhouse’s 59th season. Being the oldest community theater in the Valley! And DiGregorio adds the oldest south of San Antonio!

Emilia Flores, who is the lead role of Maria, in the Sound of Music, shares her reaction to finding out that she got the part was a

reaction of overwhelming excitement.

“This is a dream role,” Flores says “I literally screamed,” Emilia explains that for being her first part there at Camille Playhouse was huge. “It’s been such a blessing and amazing experience.” She shares the great experience it’s been working with all the cast members and crew at Camille Playhouse.

“So many sweet and talented people,” she says, “And I’ve made so many different connections and friendships every single time I go in!”

Being a full-time College student at UTRGV in Edinburg and living in Weslaco Emilia has made quite the commitment to all the rehearsals and performances in Brownsville, but that is her passion and what she is majoring in, Theater.

Emilia shares how wonderful it is to hear and see people truly enjoy the show and see it draw out emotions from the audience.

“That’s what art is. Art is supposed to make you feel something and theater is art in action, it’s live and it’s beautiful.”

All of the individual cast members are volunteers donating their time and energy to such a big performance and Emilia says it’s really humbling to be a part of something like that.

Camille Playhouse also had different schools that were invited to enjoy these performances.

Artistic Director, Brandon Binder explains, "This week we welcomed over 1,500 children, parents, and teachers to see our shortened version of the Sound of Music."

"The majority of the audience had never been to the theater and were very excited to be in the building," Binder says many had seen the building either on the way to the zoo or while in the park, but actually seeing a performance was a huge experience.

Binder says the audience was "roaring applause, the most genuine of laughter, cheers throughout the show, it is safe to say that the kids loved the show."

Binder says that many were impacted by seeing kids their own age on the stage. And that he saw how it inspired many to come back again or to look into how they can participate in the theater too.

"Many made comments that they want to return, either to see another show or for the Summer Youth Program."

Camille Playhouse hosted children from Rancho Verde Elementary, Veterans Memorial HS, Incarnate Word, Laguna Madre, Fig Tree, Jubilee Livingway, Benavidez, Lopez HS, Paredes, Kenmont Montessori, and more.

To stay up to date on where you can try out, or be involved follow Camille Playhouse on their Facebook and Instagram.

rEQUEST FOr QUALIFIcATIONS

The City of Los Fresnos plans to apply for the upcoming 2023-2024 TxCDBG from the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Accordingly, the City of Los Fresnos is seeking to contract with a qualified Engineering/Architectural/Surveying Firm(s) (individual/firm) to prepare all preliminary and final design plans and specifications, and to conduct all necessary interim and final inspections. These services are being solicited to assist the City of Los Fresnos in its application preparation and project implementation of a TxCDBG contract, if awarded, to support eligible activities in City of Los Fresnos. Please electronically submit your SOQs in .pdf format via email to pgarza@citylf.us AND submit 5 copies of your SOQ of services to the following address: Attn: Pablo Garza, 520 E. Ocean Blvd Los Fresnos Texas. SOQs must be received by the City of Los Fresnos no later than 2:00pm on January 4th, 2023 which must be at least ten (10) days after this publication and contact dates of the RFQ. The City of Los Fresnos reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit SOQs, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. Section 3 Residents and Business Concerns, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit SOQs. The City of Los Fresnos is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Servicios de traducción están disponibles por peticion.

Emilio

BOB’S BASEBALL TOURS

PUbLIc HEArING NOTIcE AD cITY OF LOS FrESNOS TEXAS cOmmUNITY DEVELOPmENT

GrANT PrOGrAm

The City of Los Fresnos will hold a public hearing at 5:30p.m. on December 28, 2022, at City Hall 520 E. Ocean Blvd Los Fresnos, Texas 78566 regarding the submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for one or more Texas Community Development Block Grant Program (TxCDBG) grants for Program Year 2023. The City of Los Fresnos may be eligible to participate in the Community Development Fund, Colonia Fund Construction Program, Colonia Economically Distressed Areas Program, Fire, Ambulance & Service Truck (FAST), and/or Downtown Revitalization Program. The purpose of this meeting is to allow citizens an opportunity to discuss the citizen participation plan, the development of local housing and community development needs, the amount of TxCDBG funding available, all eligible TxCDBG activities, and the use of past TxCDBG funds. The City encourages citizens to participate in the development of TxCDBG application(s) and to make their views known at this public hearing. Citizens unable to attend this meeting may submit their views and proposals to Mark Milum, City Manager at the City Hall. Persons with disabilities that wish to attend this meeting should contact the County Courthouse to arrange for assistance. Individuals who require auxiliary aids or services for this meeting should contact Jackie Moya at City Hall at least two days before the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

AVISO PÚbLIcO

(956)233-5773

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Farms CD&J Mini Ranch (956)456-9600

Flowers The Flower Gallery (956)233-1555

Gris Faviola’s Flower Shop (956)233-1611

Rosie’s Flowers & Gifts (956)233-5877

Formal Wear

Los Fresnos Formal Wear (956)233-9572

Funeral

Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home (956)254-2099

Dignity Memorial (956)797-5614

Gifts / Specialty Shops

Las Tres Gallinas (956)577-5777

Handgun / Security Training

Vinson’s Training School (956)266-2582

Hardware Zarsky Lumber Co. (956)233-4456

Healthcare Clinic / Home Care TVNS, LTD. (800)242-8867

Tropical Health Care (956)202-0111

Home Improvement Arizpe Flooring (956)545-8520

Hotel

Los Fresnos Inn & Suites (956)233-1133

Insurance Rio Grande Underwriters (956)233-5744

State Farm David Armendariz (956)233-3276

Meat Market

A&V Lopez Super Meat Market (956)233-2795

Newspaper Los Fresnos News (956)233-9928

Plumber Integrity Services & Plumbing (956)367-6005

Real Estate Realty Associates / Rosalinda Cantu (956)459-1403

Real Estate Outfitters Inc. (956)346-3034

V.I.P. Realty (956)399-7777

Recycling / Waste Oil Collection Fatty Chem By-Products (956)233-5691

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Taqueria El Cien (956)233-1001

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RV Palmdale RV Resort (956)399-8694

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Schools LFCISD (956)254-5205

Towing All Valley Wide Towing LLC. (956)233-4840

Water Delivery / Filtration Culligan (956)399-1780

DE LOS FrESNOS PrOGrAmA

cIUDAD

SUbVENcION

PArA bLOQUES DE DESArrOLLO cOmUNITArIO DE TEXAS

La Ciudad de Los Fresnos llevará a cabo una audiencia pública a las 5:30 p.m. el día 28 de Diciembre de 2022, en el ayuntamiento de la ciudad 520 E. Ocean Blvd. Los Fresnos, Texas 78566 sobre la presentación de una aplicación al Departamento de Agricultura de Texas para programas sobre la Programa Subvencion Para Bloques De Desarrollo Comunitario De Texas (TxCDBG) en 2023. La Ciudad de Los Fresnos puede ser elegible para participar en TxCDBG Community Development Fund, Colonia Fund Construction Program, Colonia Economically Distressed Areas Program, Fire, Ambulance & Service Truck (FAST), o el Downtown Revitalization Program. El propósito de esta reunión es permitir a los ciudadanos la oportunidad de hablar sobre el plan de participación ciudadana, el desarrollo de las necesidades locales de vivienda y desarrollo comunitario, la cantidad de fondos disponibles de TxCDBG, todas las actividades elegibles de TxCDBG y el uso de fondos anteriores de TxCDBG. La Ciudad alienta a los ciudadanos a participar en el desarrollo de esta aplicación TxCDBG y dar a conocer sus opiniones en esta audiencia pública. Los ciudadanos que no puedan asistir a esta reunión pueden enviar sus opiniones y propuestas al Administrador de la Ciudad, Mark Milum en el ayuntamiento de la ciudad. Las personas con discapacidades que deseen asistir a esta reunión deben comunicarse con el ayuntamiento de la ciudad para coordinar la asistencia. Las personas que necesiten ayuda o servicios auxiliares para esta reunión también deben comunicarse con el ayuntamiento de la ciudad al menos dos (2) días antes de la reunión para que se puedan hacer los arreglos apropiados.

INVITATION TO BIDDERS AND SUPPLIERS

Cameron County Irrigation District No. 6 Bennett, Swan Nelson, 134, 139, & 196 Canals Piping Project Phase I – Swan Nelson Canal Phase II – 134, 139 & 196 Canals

CAMERON COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6 (the District) is accepting sealed bid proposals for the supply of PVC Pipe and Construction of the Bennett, Swan Nelson, 134, 139, & 196 Canals Piping Project, Phase I – Swan Nelson Canal & Phase II – 134, 139 & 196 Canals

SEALED PROPOSALS addressed to Mr. Eddie Cruz, President, at the office of Cameron County Irrigation District No. 6, 32343 FM 803, Los Fresnos, Texas, 78566, will be received until Thursday, January 5, at 4:00 P.M. for furnishing all materials, supplies, delivery coordination, equipment and labor necessary for the construction of the Bennett, Swan Nelson, 134, 139, & 196 Canals Piping Project, Phase I – Swan Nelson Canal & Phase II – 134, 139 & 196 Canals in accordance with the specifications.

Proposal forms may be obtained by calling the office of Ferris, Flinn & Medina, LLC; Telephone (956) 364-2236. Proposal Packages are available for a nonrefundable fee of $75.00 per set. All Bidders and Suppliers who plan to bid must be on the bidders list.

A CERTIFIED OR CASHIER’S CHECK, or an acceptable bid bond in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the total bid shall accompany each bid as a guaranty that, if awarded the Contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract with Cameron County Irrigation District No. 6.

BIDDERS AND SUPPLIERS are expected to inspect the site of the work and to inform themselves of all local conditions. All materials shall be delivered by Suppliers within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the purchase order. All work shall be completed by Bidders within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after receipt of the Notice to Proceed.

CAMERON COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6 reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any or all informalities, and to award the contract to the Supplier, who, in the opinion of the District offers the proposal in its best interest. The prices submitted for the pipe supply project will be unit prices and the award will be based on the estimated quantities included in the Bid Proposal. The award of the pipe materials will be based on the bid that is most advantageous to the District The construction work includes material, labor and equipment necessary for the Piping of the Swan Nelson, 134, 139, & 196 Canals including earthwork, installation of Owner Supplied PVC Pipe and Fittings, construction of Irrigation Wells, construction of Irrigation Outlets and any other incidentals necessary.

Any contract(s) awarded under this Invitation for Bids is/are subject to the United States Iron and Steel (US I&S) requirements of Texas Water Code §17.183 and/ or Texas Government Code, Chapter 2252, Subchapter F, as amended by SB 1289, 85th Legislative Session, as applicable.

BIDDERS AND SUPPLIERS are cautioned that conditional or qualified bids, or bids not in the proper form may be rejected.

Owner: Cameron County Irrigation District No.6 By: Mr. Eddie Cruz

Title:

President Date: December 21, 2022 December 28, 2022

The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Announce the First-Ever Water Polo Regional Coach of the Year Awards

THSCA recognizes water polo coaches across Texas for their achievements for the 2022 UIL Water Polo Season.

San Marcos, Texas- The THSCA and Texas Farm Insurance announced the 2022 THSCA Boys and Girls Water Polo Regional Coach of the Year awards. These awards recognize coaches across the state of Texas for their exemplary achievements in the 202223 UIL Water Polo Season.

“THSCA is very passionate about the celebration of our coaches. Creating the Coach of the Year awards is an amazing opportunity to highlight the elite coaches across Texas,” said Joe Martin, the Executive Director of the THSCA. “We’re excited to celebrate and honor almost 1,600 coaches across 23 different sports in Texas for their athletic accomplishments during the 2022-23 school year.”

Nominations are reviewed and chosen by the THSCA Awards Committee. The nomination process is open to every member

of THSCA after the state championships in each sport. Each THSCA member is offered a chance to nominate a head coach and/or assistant coach to submit through the Member Portal.

Nominations conclude to all members after two weeks. Each nomination is then handed over to the Awards Committee for scoring (by region). The Awards Committee ranks all nominations (ex. 1- 25).

The 2022 THSCA Boys and Girls Water Polo Regional Coach of the Year Awards presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance are listed below. Please note these coaches will have the opportunity to win the THSCA Coach of the Year in their respective sport in January of 2023.

Regional Head Coach of the Year

Boys Water Polo –Brandon Dion, Marcus HS Girls Water Polo – Tony Arbogast, Flower Mound HS

Boys & Girls Water Polo – Jeff Chandler, Cypress Creek HS

Boys Water Polo – Hector Castaneda,

Halringen CISD

Girls Water Polo –Danny Euresti, Harlingen HS

Boys & Girls Water Polo – Alberto Escalante, Boerne Champion HS Regional Assistant Coach of the Year

Boys & Girls Water Polo – Michael Gillette, Boerne Champion HS

About the Texas High School Coaches Association: The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) is the principal advocate and leadership organization for Texas high school coaches. The THSCA provides the highest quality representation, education, and services to Texas high school coaches and affiliate members by enhancing the professionalism of coaches and the schools they represent. The mission statement is simply this: To help and serve Texas high school coaches as they work to help and serve student - athletes. "HELPING COACHES HELP KIDS." For more information on THSCA visit www.thsca.com

Bouncing Back

Los Fresnos Defeats Mission at Home

By Ruben Rodriguez Los Fresnos News

After finishing in second place at the 2022 McAllen City of Palms Tournament, the Los Fresnos Falcons played their first home game in two weeks. The Mission Eagles came into Los Fresnos for another round of non-district hoops.

The Mission Eagles started off first on offense, out scoring Los Fresnos

12-9. Despite a slow start, the Falcons took off and never looked back. A 22 point second quarter led the Falcons to a 31-19 lead at the half.

Los Fresnos continued their dominant offense from the first half and once again outscored Mission 21-11 in the third quarter. Defense also played a factor as Los Fresnos was able to limit Mission to less than 40 points. Los Fresnos would

go on to win 70-39.

JJ Salazar also had a historic night. The junior reached 1,000 career points in the win over Mission.

Los Fresnos will have a lengthy break before returning to action as they host Laredo United South on December 30.Tournament with a 5-1 record, Los Fresnos now sits at 15-4 on the season.

Lady Falcon Soccer around the corner

By Ruben Rodriguez Los Fresnos News

The Los Fresnos Lady Falcons are almost ready for the 2022-23 girls soccer season. Here is what to expect from the Lady Falcons this season.

After a great season that saw the Lady Falcons finish off 1-3 in 32-6A play and an overall season record of 15-7-3. The Lady Falcons punched their ticket to the Regional Quarterfinal. This Year the Lady Falcons are set to go as we preview the

non-district and district schedules.

Some non-district matchups include Edinburg North, Laredo United South, McHi, Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial. The Lady Falcons also have some big opponents from up north. These opponents include V.R. Eaton out of Fort Worth, Lubbock Monterrey, Humble Atascocita and Cibolo Steele before 32-6A play kicks off in February.

District 32-6A will begin on February 3rd

as the Rivera Raiders will be their first District matchup. Weslaco, Hanna, San Benito and Harlingen will follow before round two of 32-6A begins on February 24.

A longer non-district as contrast to last season, the Lady Falcons will compete in a 10 game district calendar as Harlingen South and Donna North have made their way down to 32-5A as a part of the realignment this past February.

Photo from Los Fresnos Boys Basketball Twitter

Mistletoe: Is the Christmas plant friend or foe?

The pros and cons of keeping and removing the kissing plant

Certain species of mistletoe can also shoot out their own seeds at speeds around 60 mph once the berry bursts like an overfilled water balloon.

Some mistletoe is poisonous, so it is always wise to use care when handling the plant.

Different parts of the plant and different species have varying levels of toxicity. And while birds and wildlife eat the berries, it isn’t something you want your family members, including pets, to ingest.

How to identify mistletoe in nature

Mistletoe is most easily spotted in winter when many of the host trees lose their leaves to reveal clusters of the evergreen mistletoe. The spherical shape can be as large as several feet across.

flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees and honeybees. There are also several types of butterflies and moths that rely solely on mistletoe species as host plants for their caterpillars.

“Birds aren’t the only animals that munch on mistletoe – squirrels will also eat the berries, and deer and porcupines will eat the plant itself, especially if other food is scarce,” said Maureen Frank, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde.

deciduous trees, she said.

The only way to eliminate mistletoe from a tree is to prune the branch it is on. If you feel like your tree is becoming overwhelmed with the parasite, keep in mind that mistletoe takes two to three years to mature so the sooner you can remove the infected branch, then the better you minimize spread. And the smaller the branch that must be removed, then the less stress on the tree.

Written by Susan Himes

Mistletoe may be a welcome holiday sight when hung over a doorway if a loved one is near. Still, it can be an unwelcome intruder when found in your trees, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist.

“Mistletoe is a hemiparasite – a semiparasitic plant,” said Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension horticulturist for Tom Green County. “It makes its food from photosynthesis, but the roots grow into the host tree, sucking water and minerals out from the sap.”

In other words, you likely do not want to see mistletoe growing on your favorite

shade tree or prized ornamental. However, mistletoe can survive as long as the tree it inhabits. So, some mistletoe alive today may still be around in 100 years.

One type of mistletoe you commonly see used as decoration over the holidays is in the family Phoradendron, which appropriately translates to “thief of the tree” in Greek.

Mistletoe has been used across various cultures throughout history for everything from warding off demons from entering a doorway to protecting babies from fairies stealing them from their cribs in the night.

Although mistletoe is called the kissing plant, its name may have originated

from Old English for the words for twig and dung. How’s that to get you in the romantic holiday spirit?

The issues with mistletoe

Mistletoe causes tree stress and can make a tree more susceptible to diseases and insects, Watkins said. Although unlikely to kill a healthy tree, it can cause limbs to die. It can be especially hard on a tree during drought.

Mistletoe easily spreads as birds eat the berries and then spread the seed from limb to limb and tree to tree through their feces. The seeds are exceptionally sticky and may also hitchhike on their feet and beaks.

Since birds like to perch in the tops of high trees, mistletoe is most often found in mature trees near the crown. A tree branch may be enlarged where the plant has attached itself.

In Texas, the type of mistletoe you’ll find on trees typically has white berries in clusters. Although we mostly find mistletoe in our region on deciduous trees, like oak and mesquite, the plant’s 1,000-plus species around the world have adapted to survive on everything from cacti to pines.

Many animals nest in clumps of mistletoe, especially when the plant causes its host tree to form witches’ brooms, which are dense masses of distorted branches, Frank said. Mistletoe and the corresponding witches’ brooms are used for shelter by tree squirrels, flying squirrels and a variety of birds, from tiny chickadees to raptors like Cooper’s hawks.

The damage done to trees by mistletoe can also provide homes for cavitynesting species of birds, bats, insects and small mammals.

Should you remove your mistletoe?

“Even if you remove mistletoe from a tree, the root-like structure remains embedded in the tree, meaning it will grow back,” Watkins said.

“In most well-maintained landscapes, there may be mistletoe here or there but it’s probably not something to worry about too much,” Watkins said.

The stress from overpruning could be more damaging than the mistletoe itself, she said. Watkins said to keep these tips in mind if you do decide to prune:

• Light pruning can be done any time of the year, but more significant pruning is best done in the winter when the tree is dormant.

• Prune no more than one-third of a tree’s canopy.

• Dead branches can be removed at any time.

• To avoid spreading oak wilt, oak trees should not be pruned from February to June. December and January are the ideal time to prune oaks.

A friend

to forests, pollinators and woodland creatures

Mistletoe plays a key role in many woodland and range ecosystems. For example, its white

Although no herbicide can kill mistletoe without harming the tree, one plant growth regulator called ethephon, Florel Fruit Eliminator, is registered in the U.S. to control the growth of mistletoe on

• Paint the cuts to protect the tree.

For more information on mistletoe, visit Forest Health: Mistletoe by Texas A&M Forest Service.

UTRGV receives $2.2M grant for ‘ClimateSmart’ Commodities project

production. And provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including for small and underserved producers across the country.

Dr. Rafael Almeida, assistant professor of energy sustainability in the UTRGV School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, will lead the project, titled "VANGUARD: Validating agrivoltaic technology with underserved agricultural producers."

environmental benefits of agrivoltaic systems.

Almeida said implementing agrivoltaics could be a potential resolution that promotes energy security and increases farm profitability through energy generation.

Agrivoltaic technology could also mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project team will also evaluate whether it can increase soil carbon sequestration, known as "regenerative agriculture."

By Maria Gonzalez

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS –

12, 2022 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was awarded a $2.2 million

grant from the second funding pool of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities.

The grant is part of a historical $325 million

federal investment in 71 new projects announced today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Tuskegee University.

According to the USDA announcement, the major investment will deliver on

its promise to:

• Expand markets for America's climatesmart commodities.

• Leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climatesmart commodity

VANGUARD will scale the co-location of agriculture and solar power infrastructure (agrivoltaics) with underserved producers in South Texas. The project has the dual goal of creating robust climate-smart market opportunities and innovative revenue streams for high-need, underserved producers while generating unprecedented data on the greenhouse gas and

"Decarbonizing the U.S. economy over the next decades to halt climate change will require extensive implementation of renewable energy sources like solar power; yet the question of where to put solar panels is not trivial, with large competition for land that is also needed for other purposes,

►UTRGV receives $2.2M grant for ‘Climate-Smart’ Commodities project

Mistletoe can cause stress for the trees it grows on; however, the plants play a key role in the ecosystem. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Johnson County Master Gardeners)

Photo of an agrivoltaic system in Longmont, Colorado. (Courtesy Photo by Dr. Rafael Almeida)

such as food production and biodiversity conservation," Almeida said.

"One emerging solution to limit landuse conflicts while achieving food security and decarbonization goals is the dual use of agricultural land to jointly produce food and solar energy – also known as agrivoltaics," he said.

Dr. Engil Isadora Pereira, assistant professor of soil ecology in the School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences and VANGUARD co-PI, noted on a panel with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today that water-stressed regions like the Valley are especially promising locations for agrivoltaic development.

"In the Rio Grande Valley, agrivoltaics can create conditions that benefit our soils and crops. In the summer, for example, shade from these solar panels slows down evaporation, giving plants more time

to absorb water, stay hydrated and improve production," Pereira told Vilsack.

"With VANGUARD, we aim to place the underserved Rio Grande Valley at the forefront of agrivoltaic development," she said.

VANGUA r D I m PAcT

The market for solar energy is expanding not only in residential areas, but also in rural areas, where industrialscale facilities with vast swaths of panels are being deployed. This renewable energy source has lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuel sources and is expanding drastically to curb climate change.

"To minimize the displacement of land used for food production as solar energy production expands, we will test the concomitant production of crops and energy through agrivoltaic technology by growing the plants underneath solar panels," Almeida said.

The USDA grant will sponsor acquisition of solar panels for historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

In exchange, Almeida and the award-winning research team will monitor energy production, crop yields, soil conditions and greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, they will evaluate VANGUARD's innovative environmental impact and benefits approach.

In addition to reducing land-use conflicts, Almeida's project will promote using land more profitably by implementing agrivoltaics to support small-scale farm productivity.

"This project is another strong indicator showing UTRGV's strength and determination toward becoming a research university," said Dr. John “Can” Saygin, senior vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College.

"VANGUARD will be the striving force to steer and pilot innovative, climatesmart practices while providing direct technical and financial support to socially disadvantaged agricultural producers in the Valley, its communities and the nation," he said.

JOINT EFFOrT FOr SUccESS

The project will be led by a team of UTRGV faculty and staff that will evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of agrivoltaics and market development strategies to improve adoption by farmers across the Valley.

UTRGV faculty and staff include:

• Principal Investigator: Dr. Rafael Almeida, assistant professor of energy sustainability in the School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences.

• Evaluation Team: Dr. Alexis Racelis, associate professor of agroecology, and Dr. Engil Pereira, assistant professor of soil ecology.

Outreach and Technical Assistance Team: Colin Cain, executive director, Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA), and Dr. Horacio Vasquez, professor of mechanical engineering

• Market Development Team: The market development team will be a partnership

effort between Dr. Anna Erwin, UTRGV assistant professor of environmental social science, and Dr. Diego Cardoso, assistant professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University.

In addition to the project's three core teams, VANGUARD will recruit and enroll Hispanic farmers and ranchers through the coordination of Hispanic-

led

in the Rio Grande Valley. To watch the USDA announcement, visit usda. gov/live.

community partners

USDA announcement

Dr. Rafael Almeida, assistant professor of energy sustainability in the School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, will lead the project titled "VANGUARD: Validating agrivoltaic technology with underserved agricultural producers."