HEMP UPDATE #1: Texas Hemp Plan Outline Sent To USDA
AUSTIN – Today, Sid Miller, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), announced that the Texas Hemp Program outline has been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval. This document, and the changes to state rules that establish the new program, must be approved and finalized before TDA can begin granting licenses to legally grow hemp in Texas.  [More]

Commissioner Miller To Hold First Texas Olive Oil Advisory Board Meeting
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the Texas Department of Agriculture will hold its first Olive Oil Advisory Board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019. The nine-member board will meet at the TDA headquarters in the Stephen F. Austin building in downtown Austin. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. and will be open to the public.  [More]

OPINION: Thank A Farmer This Thanksgiving
Howdy neighbors! In just a few short days, it will be time to gather for a day of feasting with friends and family. Your plate will probably be piled high with turkey and mashed potatoes, with just enough space left over for Grandma’s homemade pumpkin pie.  [More]

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Honors Lives And Sacrafices Made by Farmers and Ranchers
AUSTIN – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) honored 15 of our state’s farmers and ranchers who lost their lives or were severely injured in agriculture-related pursuits at the 4th Annual Texas Agriculture Memorial Day ceremony at the State Capitol today. On the south steps of the Capitol, Commissioner Miller accepted a memorial wreath carried by state FFA and 4-H youth leaders on behalf of the family members. In the Capitol Extension Auditorium, a solemn memorial ceremony was attended by invited guests and family members of those being honored.  [More]

MEDIA ADVISORY: Texas Agriculture Memorial Day Honors the Lives And Sacrifices Made By Farmers and Ranchers
AUSTIN — On Thursday, November 21, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture will host the fourth Annual Texas Agriculture Memorial Day at the State Capitol in Austin. Texas Agriculture Memorial Day is a day to remember the lives and honor the sacrifices of Texas farmers and ranchers whose dedication to agriculture contributes so much to our heritage and our economy.  [More]

Getting Rid of Pesticides the TDA Way
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service joined forces Wednesday, November 6 to host a Pesticide Waste Collection and Pesticide Container Recycling event in Weslaco, Texas. This free, public event allowed agriculture producers to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides and pesticide containers.  [More]

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Honors Texas Farm and Ranch Families at 44th Annual Family Land Heritage Ceremony
AUSTIN – In a celebration of agriculture and family heritage, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) honored 58 farms and ranches spanning 38 Texas counties at the 44th Annual Family Land Heritage (FLH) ceremony at the State Capitol today. The ceremony, held in the historic House Chamber, recognizes Texas families who have kept their farms and ranches in continuous agricultural production for 100 years or more.  [More]

Commissioner Miller Announces Federal Hemp Rules Released
AUSTIN, TX - Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the USDA has released the interim final rules for the U.S. Domestic Hemp Program. These rules define the 2018 Farm Bill and serve as a framework for states like Texas that are planning to build an industrial hemp growing program. With these guidelines in place, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) can now submit a state hemp plan to USDA for approval.  [More]

MEDIA ADVISORY: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Aims To Expand Texas Trade With Visit To Vietnam
AUSTIN - Commissioner Miller will depart for an Agribusiness Trade Mission in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Friday, October 11. He will accompany the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Ted McKinney along with 15 delegation members; including 13 additional state agriculture departments.  [More]

Commissioner Miller Kicks Off Annual Farm Fresh Challenge For Schools In Texas
AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced the start of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) annual Farm Fresh Challenge for Texas schools. Schools are encouraged to buy Texas grown foods, teach students about the importance of agriculture, and celebrate their activities on social media. More than 220 school districts and charter school organizations have pledged participation for 2019. The Farm Fresh Challenge takes place at participating National School Lunch Program schools throughout October.  [More]