New organic ag board now seeking members

The Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board, created in the 2007 legislative session by House Bill 2345, is now accepting applications for board members.

The board will assist the Texas Department of Agriculture in assessing the state of the organic agricultural industry and develop recommendations to the commissioner to promote and expand the organic industry. It also will develop statewide organic agriculture product education and awareness campaigns.

"We are extremely pleased this board will help advance organic agriculture in Texas," said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. "Working together, we will be able to draw on the collective expertise of our board members to raise awareness of this dynamic agricultural segment."

The Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board will be comprised of:

• Four organic producers • Two organic retailers • An organic distributor

• An organic processor

• A representative of a Texas trade association for the organic agricultural industry

• A representative of Texas Cooperative Extension

• A technical advisor employed by an institution of higher education or government agency (as a researcher, instructor or other qualified position)

• A public representative

Board member applications are available through the TDA Web site at www.agr.state.tx.us or by contacting Richard De Los Santos at (512) 463-7472 or richard.delossantos@tda.state. tx.us. Deadline for submission is Jan. 31.