Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs What does the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) do? Consumer Protection Production Agriculture Healthy Living Economic Development

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs What does the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) do? Consumer Protection Regulates all fuel pumps in Texas to ensure drivers get the correct quality and amount of fuel Regulates all weights and measures devices, such as grocery store scales and retail price scanners, to ensure consumers are charged advertised prices Regulates pesticide use and application from residential to commercial use Certifies organically-produced products to help ensure consumers have a reliable supply of organic products

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs What does the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) do? Production Agriculture Protects agricultural crops from harmful pests and diseases Facilitates trade and market development of agricultural commodities such as livestock and crops (cattle, cotton, hay, sheep, wool, goats, mohair and horses) Provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers with loan guarantees, interest rate reductions and grants for young farmers and agricultural research to develop new technologies Advocates for policies at federal, state, and local levels to Texas’ $106 billion agriculture sector (10% of the Texas economy)

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs What does the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) do? Healthy Living Administers the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs for Texas school children Fights obesity in Texas through a statewide campaign highlighting the 3E's of Healthy Living - Education, Exercise and Eating Right Administers assistance to feed the hungry through the Texans Feeding Texans initiative

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs What does the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) do? Economic Development Provides tools for communities to attract businesses and pursue other economic development opportunities Offers infrastructure grants to rural communities Administers the Certified Retirement Community program to attract retirees to the second leading retirement state in the U.S. Markets Texas products, cultures and communities through the GO TEXAN branded campaign

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs Rural Economic Development Resources Federal US Department of Agriculture (USDA), US Economic Development Administration (EDA), Small Business Association (SBA) State Governor’s Office Rural Development Texas Department of Agriculture Comptroller of Public Accounts Texas Workforce Commission Regional and Local Council of Governments (COGs), Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers, etc.

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs TDA Division Trade & Business Development: The Office of Rural Affairs Marketing and International Trade Grants

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs TDA Division Trade & Business Development: The Office of Rural Affairs Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in rural Texas. Provides rural communities with tools to attract and retain businesses, expand and improve public infrastructure, and secure quality health care (available federal funds, statewide outreach). Provides financial assistance to agricultural producers, especially young farmers and ranchers, to expand their production capabilities.

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs TDA Division Trade & Business Development: Marketing and International Trade GO TEXAN - Promotes Texas agriculture, businesses and communities on the state, national and international levels. Products, Wines/Wineries, Restaurants, Farmer’s Markets, Certified Retirement Communities, Associates “Whether it’s grown, sewn or served on a plate”, GO TEXAN guides the 25 million Texans who shop, travel and dine out to support Texas businesses and agriculture.

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs TDA Division Trade & Business Development: Grants Administers numerous state and federal grants, loans and cooperative agreements available to farmers/ranchers, universities and schools, non-profits and private entities across Texas. http://www.texasagriculture.gov/GrantsServices

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs SMALL TOWNS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM (STEP) Provides funds to eligible applicants for water and sewer infrastructure improvements utilizing local volunteers and self-help methods. Demonstrate a 40% cost savings off the retail price. Must benefit at least 51% LMI persons in the project area. Demonstrate local commitment and capacity through the availability of skilled volunteer labor; donated equipment with operators and strong local leadership.

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs SMALL TOWNS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM (STEP) STEP grant is offered on a competitive bi-annual basis with grant amounts up to $350,000. The grant covers: Cost of construction materials; Acquisition; Limited equipment rental and contracted services such as road boring; Engineering and administration professional services. No local match is required - “Sweat equity” counts as the community’s local match.

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs SMALL TOWNS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM (STEP) Process Community recognizes a water or sewer problem, holds preliminary meetings with to determine local capacity, interested parties and volunteers. Submit letter to TDA requesting visit with community Town Hall Meeting is scheduled with the community to discuss and demonstrate. (3 spark plugs) Submit an Assessment to TDA. TDA staff meets to discuss and review; Invite; Apps reviewed and scored; Awarded.

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs SMALL TOWNS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM (STEP) Contact For more information on the STEP Program please contact Tammie Fulton, STEP Coordinator 512-936-2086 or tammie.fulton@texasagriculture.gov.

Texas Department of Agriculture Economic and Community Development Programs

Texas Department of Agriculture William Rice 325-823-1928 William.Rice@TexasAgriculture.gov