COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ANNOUNCES ALMOST 200K IN MARKET DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR TEXAS ORGANIC PRODUCERS (3/28/2024)

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will be receiving nearly $200,000 in grant funding over the next three years from The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). These funds will assist TDA promotional efforts for Texas organic producers through the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG). Funded projects under this grant will encompass a wide range of promotional and educational activities showcasing the diversity of the organic agriculture industry in the Lone Star State.

“Texas' organic producers work diligently to meet the substantial demand in the global organics market,” Commissioner Miller said. “This grant offers crucial funding to spotlight these producers and their remarkable contributions to organic agriculture."

The Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program supports the development of new and expanded organic markets to help increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural commodities. The program focuses on building and expanding capacity for certified organic production, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, distribution, and development of consumer markets.

Several Texas industries, including organic produce, grains, fiber, and dairy, will be featured. TDA anticipates assisting these producers through an array of programs. These initiatives bolster the Texas agriculture industry's visibility and facilitate access to essential resources.

"The certification of organic products signifies a level of quality that consumers trust,” Commissioner Miller continued. “Championing Texas producers in marketing their organic products is vital to their economic success. The Texas Department of Agriculture is proud to support this effort.”

To learn more about this grant and other awarded projects, visit: https://www.ams.usda.gov/press-release/more-20000-domestic-producers-benefit-usda-awards-providing-organic-market

###