Ag commissioner sets goals for 2008

Todd Staples

In a speech recently to more than 800 faculty and staff at Texas A&M University's AgriLife Conference in College Station, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples encouraged all Texans to play a part in preserving the state's multi-billion dollar agriculture industry and enhancing rural economic development.

"The Texas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to securing our state's rich heritage of farming and ranching, and being a national leader in agricultural production," said Staples.

"First, we must bridge the gap between rural and urban Texas, fostering an understanding that agriculture is not just a way of life for farmers and ranchers, but the foundation of life for all Texans."

Texas leads the nation in the number of cattle, horses, goats, sheep and deer.

The state also ranks first in the production of cotton, wool, mohair and hay.

The Texas agriculture industry employs nearly 2 million Texans, contributing approximately 9 percent of the gross state product.

Staples credited the unwavering work ethic of Texas producers for reaching a milestone in 2007.

"Agriculture contributed more than $100 billion to the Texas economy in 2007 -- a record for our state's agriculture industry," said the ag commissioner.

"All Texans should be proud of the dedicated men and women who live and breathe agriculture daily, providing food and fiber to feed and clothe their fellow Texans."

The commissioner called on all Texans to assist TDA in ensuring the continued prosperity of agriculture, and listed five priorities as pathways to success:

• Link rural Texas communities to higher education/training opportunities to ensure Texas has a qualified workforce

• Increase awareness of the role agriculture plays in daily lives of all Texans

• Research and implement methods to increase commodities to meet the demands of food, fiber, feedstock and fuels

• Expand outreach to farmers/ ranchers about marketing opportunities, and to consumers about state-grown (GO TEXAN) products

• Preserve land for agriculture and protect property rights.

"Powerful possibilities lie ahead for Texas agriculture," said Staples. "Challenges will arise, but with your help, we can overcome them and preserve one of our state's leading industries for generations to come."