Introduction

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) maintains the TDA Web site as a public service.  The following privacy policy is for any site maintained by TDA.  Please note that all information collected or maintained by TDA is subject to provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552, Texas Government Code) and applicable federal legislation. Information about the Texas Public Information Act is available from the Office
of the Attorney General at https://www.oag.state.tx.us/open/pia/pia.shtml

Information Collection

Server Log/Analysis Tools (Collected Automatically)

TDA utilizes server logs and log analysis tools to create summary statistics about the use of the Web site. The summary statistics are used for purposes such as assessing what information is of most interest to users, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. The following information may be collected for this analysis:

• User/Client hostname: The hostname (or IP address, if DNS is disabled) of the user/client requesting access.
• HTTP header, "user-agent": The user-agent information includes the type of browser used, the browser version, and the operating system.
• HTTP header, "referer": The referer specifies the page from which the user/client accessed the current page.
• System date: The date and time of the user/client request.
• Full request: The exact request made by the user/client.
• Status: The status code the server returned to the user/client.
• Content length: The content length, in bytes, of the document sent to the user/client.
• Method: The request method used.
• Universal Resource Identifier (URI): The location of a resource on a server.
• Query string of the URI: Anything after the question mark in a URI.
• Protocol: The transport protocol and version used.

For site management functions, information is collected for analysis and statistical purposes. This information is not reported or used in any manner that would reveal personally identifiable information, and will not be released to any outside parties unless required to do so under applicable law.

Cookies

A cookie is an extremely small text file that resides on the user's hard drive, created at the request of the Web server to track specific information. The TDA Web site may use cookies to create Session ID's to facilitate your use of the site. The information contained in these cookies is a randomly created ID and contains no personally identifiable information, so your anonymity is preserved. These tracking ID's are not stored or tracked after the session ends.

Web-Based Forms

Sometimes a user voluntarily provides personal information to TDA (ex: a survey or purchase form). In these situations, TDA (or a third party engaged by TDA) collects the information for processing the request. This information is used by TDA so that you can receive the permit, services, or information that you requested. TDA may also use this information in aggregate form to get a better general understanding of the type of individuals using online services. Unless specifically disclosed, the personally identifiable information is not linked by TDA (or any third party) to any other personal information collected by any state agency.  Information submitted through a Web-based form is subject to interception via common internet tools.

An individual who submits information in electronic format through this Web site is entitled, on request, to receive and review the information that the Texas Department of Agriculture collects about the individual, and to have TDA correct the information.  To make a request, please contact the following person:

Customer Relations Representative
(512) 463-8496 (Voice)
(800) 735-2988 (Voice - Texas Relay)
 

E-mail

If you send us an electronic mail message with a question or comment that contains personally identifying information, or fill out a form that e-mails us this information, we will only use the personally identifiable information to respond to your request and analyze trends. We may redirect your message to another government agency or person who is in a better position to answer your question.  We will not release your e-mail address unless you consent to such information.

Security, Intrusion, Detection

TDA and its technology partners have taken strong measures to protect the security of your personal information and to ensure that your choices for its intended use are honored. We take strong precautions to protect your data from loss, misuse, unauthorized access or disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

The importance of security for all personally identifiable information associated with our guests is of utmost concern to us. Once we receive your transmission, we make our best effort to ensure its security on our systems. When credit card or other personally identifiable information is transmitted we use the industry standard, Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption.

Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the Texas Penal Code Chapters 33 (Computer Crimes) or 33A (Telecommunications Crimes).

NOTE: To further ensure your privacy, credit card transactions can be processed only through our BRIDGE licensing system using TDA Online and not over the telephone.

Acceptance of Terms

By using this site, you signify your assent to the Texas Department of Agriculture Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our sites. Your continued use of the Texas Department of Agriculture sites following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes.