The State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund

Many of our fellow Texans are in need of a helping hand. Texas Agriculture Farmers, Rancher, producers and agribusiness owners are rebuilding and working towards picking up the pieces after all of these natural disasters. As natural disasters continue to impact Texas farmers and ranchers, the need for donations continues.

The STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund) was created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and companies. STAR Fund money may be used to assist farmers and ranchers in rebuilding fences, restoring operations and paying for other agricultural disaster relief.

Learn more about the STAR FUND here.

Welcome to the Texas Department of Agriculture

Howdy Neighbors!

You may not know it, but the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) touches your life almost every day. From the gas pump you used to fill up your car this morning to the salsa you’re eating at dinner, TDA was there to help. From the healthy lunches at your child’s school to the scales used to weigh your luggage at the airport, TDA was there, too. From our role as the state consumer protection agency to administering school lunches and marketing Texas products, the TDA is a diverse and busy place. We work hard every day to serve you.

Since I was sworn into office in 2015, I’ve also worked diligently to make this agency better. Please take some time to browse our website and learn about the many ways we’re working better, faster and more efficiently for you. As always, it is my honor to serve as your Texas Agriculture Commissioner and remind you that Texas Agriculture Matters!

Your Servant,

Sid Miller signature

Sid Miller

Texas Agriculture Commissioner

The Latest Agency News

View By

Texas Department of Agriculture to hold produce safety meetings statewide

Monday, April 09, 2018, The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today announced it will hold a series of community meetings across the state to collect input on implementing the new federal law to promote the safety of fruits and vegetables grown across the country. The meetings will serve as a forum to gather public input as TDA develops the rules to administer this comprehensive new federal mandate.

Commissioner Miller Calls for Action on Temporary Federal Worker Program

Thursday, April 05, 2018, In a letter addressed to federal officials, Commissioner Miller today asked for an opening of the program that affects the availability of temporary workers like those needed by the Texas shrimp and other agriculture industries.

Commissioner Miller Seeks Applicants for Annual Family Land Heritage Program

Friday, March 16, 2018, Commissioner Miller is proud to invite Texas farmers and ranchers to apply for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Family Land Heritage (FLH) program, which pays tribute to families who have kept their land in continuous agricultural production for at least 100 years.

Commissioner Miller Kicks Off School Breakfast Week

Monday, March 05, 2018, Commissioner Miller today announced the start of School Breakfast Week, which runs March 5 through 9, and makes eating breakfast at school a special occasion for Texas students. Every school day, approximately 1.7 million young Texans enjoy breakfast through the School Breakfast Program.

Commissioner Miller Honors Student Art Contest Winners and Announces Start of 2018-2019 Competition

Wednesday, February 14, 2018, Commissioner Miller congratulated Amy Hinojosa of Laredo and Gigi Cheng of Port Lavaca as winners in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) 2017-2018 You Art What You Eat! student art contest. Their artwork will be incorporated into posters and materials displayed at schools across Texas to celebrate School Breakfast Week, which takes place March 5 through 9, 2018.

Fact Sheet: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules

Thursday, February 01, 2018, These comments are intended to provide very general information only regarding Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules Affecting Texas Farmers, Ranchers, Related Ag Industries, and Ag Sport (Rodeo and Special Event) Recreational Transportation.

Commissioner Miller Encourages Organizations to Apply for 2018 Summer Nutrition Programs

Monday, January 22, 2018, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications for its 2018 summer nutrition programs. These programs connect community organizations and schools with federal funds to provide healthy meals for the Texas children who may not always have access to good nutrition when school cafeterias are closed for summer.

Texas Agriculture Memorial Day Honors Those Who Lost Their Lives in Agriculture Community in 2017

Tuesday, November 21, 2017, In a solemn ceremony at the State Capitol, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was joined by his fellow members of the agriculture community as they honored those men and women who lost their life in the ag industry over the last year. The 2nd Annual Texas Agriculture Memorial Day remembers those Texas farmers and ranchers who died in the previous year as a way of focusing public attention on the importance of Texas agriculture.

Texas Agriculture Memorial Day (Nov. 21) Honors Those Who Gave so Much to Agriculture Community

Thursday, November 16, 2017, On Tuesday, November 21, the Texas Department of Agriculture will host the 2nd Annual Texas Agriculture Memorial Day at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Texas Agriculture Memorial Day is a day to remember the lives and honor the sacrifices of Texas farmers and ranchers who contribute so much to our heritage and our economy.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Honors Texas Farm and Ranch Families at 42nd Annual Family Land Heritage Ceremony

Tuesday, November 07, 2017, In a celebration of agriculture and family heritage, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) honored 64 farms and ranches spanning 51 Texas counties at the 42nd Annual Family Land Heritage (FLH) ceremony at the Texas State Capitol today.

Commissioner Miller Honors Student Art Contest Winners

Wednesday, October 11, 2017, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today congratulated Emilia Davila of Laredo and Marianeé Canales of Kingsville as winners in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) You Art What You Eat! statewide student art contest.

Commissioner Miller Kicks Off National School Lunch Week

Monday, October 09, 2017, Commissioner Miller today announced the start of National School Lunch Week, which runs Oct. 9 to 13, and emphasizes the value of leading healthy lifestyles to Texas students. In partnership with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), every school day, Texas schools serve approximately 3 million healthy meals through the National School Lunch Program.