Texas Agriculture Wins Support at NASDA

Guest Blogger: Drew DeBerry, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner

On behalf of Commissioner Todd Staples this week, I am proud to be in Salt Lake City representing Texas at the annual National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) meeting.

Each year, NASDA brings together the heads of our nation’s agricultural agencies to present priorities important to their respective communities. Those priorities are then presented as action items with the intent of working collectively to bolster the nation’s agriculture industry.

This year, Commissioner Staples brought action items on the the following four initiatives to the table on behalf of Texas agriculture: jobs and the economy; hay assistance; endangered species reform; and border security. These four resolutions were unanimously supported today by members of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA), and will now be considered by various committees within NASDA and voted on by all states on Monday.

Texas is fighting through the one of the worst droughts on record with agricultural losses already reaching $5.2 billion. The extreme heat has also fueled wildfires that have scorched more than 3 million acres, exacerbating the need to expedite hay delivery to those in need, which is why I’m pleased to see Commissioner Staples’ hay assistance resolution moving forward.

Also of great concern to Texans is the increasing violence against our citizens and agricultural producers at the hands of Mexican drug cartels. At NASDA, we introduced a resolution focused on securing our border, ending illegal immigration and urging a reform of labor programs to provide a documented and reliable workforce.

Another initiative that won support aims to strengthen our economy through passage of pending free trade agreements and stabilization of the uncertain regulatory environment that stands in the way of job creation.

Finally, Texas remains committed to striking a balance between conservation and the rights of private property owners. SASDA members enthusiastically joined Texas in proposing a comprehensive overhaul to the sprawling Endangered Species Act - to bring sound science guidelines to the table.

Besides being a forum for the advancement of agriculture, NASDA also reminds me how blessed we all are to have leaders throughout our country working collaboratively to strengthen agriculture for the benefit of all Americans.

Historic Downgrade Calls For Shock Sentencing

In the world of criminal justice, there is a concept called “shock sentencing,” whereby a judge orders a convicted offender to an initial short-term prison sentence followed by an extended period of probation. I think it’s time we extend this concept to the world of federal fiscal responsibility.

The downgrading of the credit rating outlook from "stable" to "negative" of your country and mine is criminal and should "shock" our collective consciousness. According to money.cnn.com, the United States’ credit rating outlook was recently downgraded from “stable” to “negative” for the first time in our country’s history. The stock market rewarded this new failing grade with nearly 250 points at its low point during the day, and then eventually closing with a 140 decline. The market's fear is justified: without a change in the way D.C. operates, our credit rating itself could be in jeopardy. It’s past time our leaders in Washington change their ways, regain control and steer our country out of the red.

As CNN reported, “S&P said its outlook change was based on the growth of the United States’ deficits over the last several years as a percentage of gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic activity. From 2003 to 2008, the nation’s general government debt varied between 2 percent and 5 percent of GDP, which is “noticeably larger” than other countries with “AAA” ratings, according to S&P. In 2009, as the government increased spending to stimulate the economy, the U.S. debt load “ballooned” to more than 11 percent and has yet to come down, said S&P.”

The verdict is in: The national debt of the United States is a crime against basic economic principles and calls for nothing less than the swift justice of a “shock sentence.” The American people must stand up and offer some tough love in order for our national leaders to make the decisions needed to avoid going deeper into this fiscal melee. If we don’t, we face the tougher punishment of exporting jobs overseas.

And if we truly want to avoid this even harsher punishment, how about not raising taxes in order to balance the books? As the article suggests, what got us into this mess was a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

New A&M Pharmaceutical Facility Helps Texas Shine

I always love to include this line when talking about the Lone Star State: Texas is a great place to do business, live, work, raise a family and retire - and this becomes more real and true each day.

While this is true, it doesn't happen by chance. It happens because along with our scenic and diverse landscape comes commitment, ingenuity and forward thinking.

This article in the New York Times explains part of the reason the Texas economy continues to shine. Besides the jobs and life-enhancing innovation that will come from this new Texas A&M pharmaceutical facility in Bryan, Texas, I am also particularly proud of the fact that agriculture is a part of this highly advanced process of making life better.

We should all applaud the leadership and effort it required to land this facility in Bryan. Initiatives like this will ensure Texas continues to be a great place to do business, live, work, raise a family and retire.

Texas Leads States in Economic Health

Guest Blogger: Drew DeBerry, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner

It seems hardly a day goes by where I don't find some mention of Texas in the news for being a frontrunner in the nation’s economy.

Most recently, the Texas economy received national accolades for its employment. National Review Online reported last week, "more than half of the net new jobs in the U.S. during the past 12 months were created in the Lone Star State."

And last month, Meredith Whitney, a noted financial analyst known for predicting the national banking crisis, named Texas the national leader in state financial health. Whitney’s 600-page report on the condition of state governments titled “Tragedy of the Commons: Launching Ratings on the Top 15 States” says only Texas and Virginia earned overall positive rankings among the 15 largest states.

In an interview on CNBC, Whitney said, “The best state is actually Texas, by a mile.”

You can read Fortune Magazine’s coverage of her report here. You can watch her interview on CNBC here: (Texas discussion begins at about 3:45.)




And finally, within our great state, sales tax collections are definitely pointing in the right direction. In September, the state reported sales tax collections increased by nearly 7 percent compared to a year ago.

While all of this national recognition is welcome and appreciated, the real benefit to all Texans is the fact that our economy is truly ahead of the curve.

Urban students take an interest in agriculture

Agriculture remains a big portion of our state’s economy, accounting for almost 9.5 percent of Texas’ Gross State Product - the sum of all value added by industries within the state. Expanded science and technology have been tremendous catalysts for increasing the importance of agriculture.

As our state’s population continues to expand, particularly in the urban areas, some may mistakenly think interest in agriculture’s importance and the need for agriculture education have diminished. Not so, according to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News.

“Our program is probably going stronger in the urban areas than it is in the rural areas,” said Gerald Young, executive director of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.

To read the entire article, click here.

Senate Finance Committee Testimony

Wednesday, I testified before the Senate Finance Committee and discussed the Texas Department of Agriculture’s 2010-2011 budget request. TDA has taken on many additional responsibilities over the past few years and we hope to improve upon these services.

After holding discussions with producers, agribusinesses and professionals all across the state, we identified several exceptional items we believe need additional resources to better serve and protect all Texans.

TDA’s four main priorities are Agricultural Biosecurity, Consumer Protection, Economic Development and Healthy Lifestyles. I look forward to working with our dedicated members in the House and Senate as they draft a budget that ensures Texans receive necessary and efficient services that maximize the investment of state dollars.

What the Economic Stimulus Means to Texas

Whether you are in favor of the federal stimulus package or against it, Congress has acted and President Obama has signed the economic stimulus bill into law.

As a result, Texas is poised to receive more than $16 million for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s nutrition and food distribution programs. Just over $8 million will help schools across Texas buy better cooking equipment, enabling them to prepare healthier meals, and to purchase additional refrigeration to hold more fresh produce, in turn helping TDA with its mission to curb childhood obesity.

Another $8 million or so will go to the Texas Commodity Assistance Program – a critical program that provides USDA commodities, such as fruits and vegetables, to underprivileged individuals through food banks and other emergency food services. This relief is coming at a time when food banks are seeing a heavier demand than usual.

The bottom line is the Texas economy is in much better shape than that of most states in the U.S. Still, no Texan is immune to the challenges our economy faces. That’s why TDA is working with agribusinesses, producers, lawmakers and other stakeholders to ensure the Texas agriculture industry is doing its part to keep Texas’ economy strong.

Drought Relief for Texas Farmers and Ranchers

I was able to go to East Texas this weekend and spend a little time at the farm with my father – I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend. Newborn calves were bouncing around the pasture, and the cows were enjoying the little bit of clover, vetch and other winter grasses that have sprouted. The green stuff was a welcomed sight, as the hay supplies are getting pretty thin. It appears we have had a little rain, but much more is needed.

Unfortunately, many ranchers have been transporting hay for some time because of the drought and short supplies. I recently wrote a letter to Governor Perry asking for a waiver on height and load restrictions for transporting hay, and in response, he issued an order to the Texas Department of Transportation that waives those transportation restrictions for a defined period.

Producers needing more information about drought relief can find resources through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Resource Information Packet, which includes contact information for assistance with loans, water/irrigation, insurance and other things. TDA’s Hay Hotline is also a great resource for ranchers in need of hay and forage.

Hopefully spring will bring the rain we need to nourish our crops and livestock. If not, it is important to remember that Texas farmers and ranchers are recognized far and wide for their grit and generosity.

TDA and community development

I recently spoke with city leaders and entrepreneurs from several north Texas cities at the Best Southwest Partnership quarterly luncheon in Duncanville. It was exciting to see the local officials’ enthusiasm and dedication to building opportunities for their communities and the Lone Star State. I visited with them about the Texas Department of Agriculture’s expanded role to serve all Texans and the need for communities to foster economic development.



In case you missed it, Lancaster Today highlighted my message to the group:

Ag commissioner shares thoughts on Texas community with BSW

By DANIELLE PARKER
Wednesday, December 17

Living in a metropolitan area, agriculture may not be a prime concern to the residents of Southwest Dallas County. But at the Best Southwest Partnership quarterly luncheon, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples communicated the importance of Texas agriculture and community development.

“If you are eating today or wearing clothes, you are involved in agriculture,” Staples said. “In 2007, for the first time ever, agriculture contributed more than $100 billion to Texas economy and 9.5 percent of the state's total gross product. People really don't think about agriculture until there is a problem.”

Contrary to popular belief, Staples said the Texas Department of Agriculture centers upon much more than agriculture.

“We focus on a variety of issues and concerns, working for the advancement and opportunity for all of us in Texas,” Staples said. “We act as the state's weights and measures to protect consumers and businesses.”

One of TDA's primary concentrations is child obesity and education, an area in which Texas has become a leader in recent years, according to Staples.

“Texas ranks sixth in the nation in child obesity,” Staples said. “Our priority is to turn the trend around. We are encouraging food service directors and administrators to helps us implement programs to teach the importance of healthy living.

TDA is partnering with schools and businesses to preserve Texas' quality education, which Staples said is not only vital to students, but the businesses as well.

“We must make certain we invest in our children. We have to communicate the importance of these programs for not only their health and well-being, but also the health for our economy. As a business community, you are the end users of our graduates.”

Education and a sense of community is what Staples said sets Texas apart. Understanding the unique qualities of Texas, TDA has initiated the GO Texan campaign, which promotes the products, cultures and communities of the state.

“We recently discovered that 96 percent of Texans prefer Texas products,” Staples said. “People around the globe are excited about Texas. We, as Texans, have an image that we can capitalize on.”

With the nation's economy in its current shape, Staples highlighted that Texas is better off than most financially.

“Unlike many states, such as Michigan and California, who are calling on the federal government to bail them out, Texans have planned ahead financially with low taxes and a high quality of life. We are a welcome mat for opportunity.”

Staples believes that Texas has all of the traits to become a retirement destination for seniors around the nation.

“Texas is the second most popular state for retirement, but we want to be No. 1,” Staples said Retirees contribute about $2.3 trillion in annual spending. I don't know about you, but I want that money coming into Texas' economy. Retirees are an industry.'

In March 2007, Duncanville became the fourth Go Texan Certified Retirement Community and Staples encouraged Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Lancaster communities to join their neighbor.

“It would be easy to say, ‘Well Duncanville already is a CRC. Do we really need another in this area?' As businesspeople, you are well aware of how a cluster economy can build off of one another. The best way to attract people to your area is to have several cities that have multiple things to offer them. As a community that is working together, you can cast a much bigger net.”

Staples applauded the work the BSW partnership was doing in its collective effort to create a community of which its residents and businessowners can be proud.

“We must maintain a spirit of cooperation that enables us to realize we are competitors, but also understand that if my neighbor does well that benefits me, too.”

South Korean Retailers Resume Beef Exports from the U.S.

Finally, some good news for international beef exports.

As most of you know, the economic crisis has impacted the beef industry along with most agriculture commodities.

But later this week, South Korea's big retailers will resume U.S. beef sales. While this certainly will help the beef industry, it will have positive impacts on other agriculture commodities as well. Read more about the decision in the following news story:


South Korea's big retailers to resume US beef sales

SEOUL - Major South Korean retailers said Tuesday they would resume U.S. beef sales for the first time since mass protests against the imports rocked the country, citing the need for cheap food during hard times.

The Korea Chainstores Association said US beef would be back on shelves from Thursday at the top three discount stores -- Lotte Mart, E-Mart and Homeplus, which is owned by Britain's Tesco.

Click here to read full article