Saturday, March 7, 2009

Protecting the Agricultural Products of Texas and the U.S.


Earlier this week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel led me on a tour of George Bush Intercontinental Airport. These dedicated men and women take great pride in protecting the economic engine of our state and country: agriculture.

Through the combined use of science, technology and law enforcement skills, we have a tremendous safety net to keep out unwanted pests and diseases that can otherwise cripple Texas agriculture, which annually makes an economic impact of over $100 billion to our state’s economy.

Each year, millions of travelers come to the U.S. through our international ports in Texas alone. It is comforting to know our partners at CBP are defending American agriculture and protecting the interests of Texas farmers and ranchers.

While the Texas Department of Agriculture works diligently at roadside inspection stations to prevent pests and diseases from spreading to agricultural products within the state, all Texans should be proud of our federal partners who are also on the frontlines joining the efforts of our dedicated inspectors.

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