COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ANNOUNCES ALMOST 200K IN MARKET DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR TEXAS ORGANIC PRODUCERS
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.  [More]

OPINION: EASTER: A BOUNTY OF TRADITION AND HARVEST
No holiday better embodies the spirit of a farmer's life more than Easter. It is a time of renewal, preparation, hard work, and unwavering faith—values that our agriculture families live by each day. Behind every Easter tradition, from the bounty on our tables to the eggs being hunted, to the Easter clothes on our backs, lies the legacy of agriculture. In just about every cherished Easter tradition, you are likely to find agriculture. From dyeing Easter eggs with your little ones to savoring the flavors of lamb or ham at your holiday feasts, each element is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our farmers and ranchers.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER CONFIRMS CAL-MAINE FOOD’S TEXAS POULTRY FACILITY TESTS POSITIVE FOR HPAI
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller confirmed the Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. poultry facility in Farwell, Texas has received official notice of a positive test for H5N1. Due to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidance for poultry infections, Cal-Maine will be required to depopulate 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets at their Farwell facility. This accounts for approximately 3.6% of the company's total flock as of March 2, 2024. Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. initiates protocols prescribed by the USDA.   [More]

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LEADS CELEBRATIONS OF INAUGURAL TEXAS FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DAY
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was proud to announce Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) staff members joined Lake Travis Independent School District (ISD) students for lunch to recognize and honor the first-ever Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day. As part of the celebration, staff engaged with students, highlighting the nutritional benefits of locally grown produce and encouraging them to always include fruits and vegetables in their daily meals. The event served as a reminder of the vital role agriculture plays in nourishing communities and promoting wellness across Texas. Cory Oliver, Board Director for the Texas International Produce Association, and Texas State Representative Carrie Isaac joined TDA staff to promote Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER EXTENDS APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR YOUNG FARMER GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH APRIL 17
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller extended the Young Farmer Grant Program applications through April 17, 2024. This extension aims to provide additional support and assistance to young farmers facing challenges from the Panhandle wildfires. In addition to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund, farmers interested in enhancing their operations through expansion, better land management, increased technology utilization, or other improvements should review this grant opportunity.  Examples of previous projects include expanding and improving traditional cattle, pork, and sheep operations, diversifying poultry lines, and starting new floral and food processing businesses.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER AWARDS $23 MILLION TO RURAL HOSPITALS
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture’s State Office of Rural Health (SORH) announced a substantial investment of $23,885,000 in funding for broadband infrastructure improvement grants through the Broadband Development Office at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This initiative is specifically tailored to fortify connectivity in rural Texas hospitals, enhance healthcare accessibility, and elevate the quality of life within rural communities across the state. Rural communities often face challenges in accessing critical healthcare services, and the lack of reliable broadband infrastructure has been a longstanding barrier to progress. The funding will be made available to all rural Texas hospitals.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER URGES YOU TO REGISTER FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON GRAPEVINE EPIDEMIC DISEASES
AUSTIN- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urges all researchers, academics, viticulturists, government officials, policymakers, students, and enthusiasts to register now for the "International Symposium on Grapevine Epidemic Diseases: Pierce’s Disease & Flavescence dorée." This symposium, slated to be a pivotal gathering for researchers, professionals, and stakeholders in the viticulture sector, will dive into the latest advancements, strategies, and challenges in grapevine diseases. The symposium is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024, from 8 AM CST to 5 PM CST, at the Hotel Sonesta Bee Caves in Austin, Texas. The event is co-hosted by the International Organization of Vine (OIV) and Wine and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER URGES GO TEXAN PARTNERS TO APPLY FOR MEGA GRANT PROGRAM
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications for the GO TEXAN Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program. MEGA grants are designed to provide funds to eligible GO TEXAN partners to assist with the marketing and promotion of certified Texas products or events.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER ADDRESSES CONCERNS AFTER THE FDA DISCOVERS PARTICLES OF THE HPAI VIRUS IN GROCERY MILK
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller addressed growing concerns following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) discovery of HPAI particles in commercial grocery milk samples. While this development is significant, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), FDA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the commercial milk supply is safe.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO FELLOW STATE DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE AMID PANHANDLE WILDFIRE RECOVERY
AUSTIN- As Texans recover from the devastating Texas Panhandle wildfires, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) extend their heartfelt appreciation to the agency’s valued counterparts in state agriculture departments nationwide. Departments in states such as Alabama, Iowa, and South Carolina have provided unwavering support, prayers, and provision of resources which have been an example of solidarity and compassion. Through their generous contributions, we stand united as an agricultural community.  [More]