COMMISSIONER MILLER ENCOURAGES TEXANS TO RECOGNIZE THE HEROIC WORK OF SCHOOL NUTRITION PROFESSIONALS
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller invites all Texans to join him in expressing appreciation to the state's dedicated school nutrition professionals on School Lunch Hero Day, May 3, 2024. School Lunch Hero Day celebrates the dedicated professionals serving over 800 million healthy school meals annually in Texas. "Their exceptional work, delivered with a smile, is truly commendable," Commissioner Miller said.  [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]

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 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 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 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 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]

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]