The House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock interim report to the 88th Legislature covers committee discussions on agriculture capital investment and agriculture operations and makes specific recommendations for municipal regulation of agriculture and dairies. For more information see the full report here.
Spotlight on Recommendations
Municipal Regulation
- In Texas farming and ranching is the backbone of our state and economy. Changes to the Agriculture Code are needed to preserve our right to farm and ranch in Texas. Protections need to be made to make sure we empower the farmers and ranchers of this state to continue the safe production of food and fiber. Current statute only protects agricultural operations annexed after August 31, 1981. This creates confusion as to which operations are, or are not, protected. We need to ensure all agricultural operations are protected in this State.
- With more and more of Texas’ agricultural lands being developed, it is imperative that the Committee make sure that today’s farmers and ranchers are given every opportunity to keep agricultural lands that are now inside the boundaries of cities due to urban sprawl in the production of commodities we use to feed and clothe the world. The standard in current law needs to be strengthened.
- The Committee believes simple, common-sense changes to the Texas Agriculture Code are needed to preserve our current “right to farm” statutory protections. We need to ensure all agricultural operations are protected.
- Statue currently does not require a city to prove an agricultural practice is truly a threat to public health. This is an issue that must be addressed to stop cities from overstepping with their authority by regulating AG production out of existence in the name of public health and safety.
- Cities should be required to consult expert agricultural information on generally accepted agricultural practices that are not a threat to public health before being able to fine or shut down an operation.
Dairies
- Review statutes and TCEQ rules to allow the dairies in the Bosque Watershed to meet best available environmental practices to obtain general permits rather than the current individual permits.