Commissioner Staples Introduces New Initiative to Promote Rural Texas

From a Texas Department of Agriculture Press Release

  Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples recently announced the launch of the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program to promote rural Texas communities through reimbursable funding programs, tourism, education and networking initiatives.

“Our rural Texas communities are a tremendous source of pride and are vital to the health of our state’s economy,” Commissioner Staples said. “These communities have much to offer, and it is the mission of the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program to encourage Texas citizens, as well as visitors, to discover the bounty of our outlying cities and towns.”

The GO TEXAN Rural Community Program replaces Texas Yes!, an initiative launched by TDA in 2003 to promote the growth and prosperity of rural Texas. Better designed to capitalize on the unique culture and distinctive flavor of rural Texas, the new GO TEXAN Rural Community Program will help rural communities leverage marketing dollars to boost economic growth and prosperity.

Program participants are designated as certified or associate members. Certified membership is open to counties or cities with a population of less than 20,000, and whose city limits do not adjoin another city or group of cities’ boundaries with an aggregate population of 50,000 or more. Associate membership is available to chambers of commerce, economic development corporations, councils of government, convention and visitors bureaus, sole proprietors, etc. whose principal place of business is in Texas, with a rural location.

Benefits of program certified membership include reimbursable funding through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Hometown STARS (Supporting Tourism and Rural Success) program and the Bootstrap Bucks program, which offer recipients up to $10,000 and $2,500, respectively. Other program benefits available to all members include promotion through GO TEXAN marketing campaigns, informative workshops and networking opportunities.

To learn more about the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program, visit www.gotexan.org or contact Natalie Houghton, TDA’s Marketing Coordinator for Rural Texas Communities, at natalie.houghton@tda.state.tx.us or (512) 463-6490.

It’s Not Too Late to be Counted in the 2007 Agriculture Census

From a USDA Press Release

US Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer reminded America's farmers and ranchers on May 12, 2008, that they should still plan to respond to the 2007 Census of Agriculture either by Internet or postal mail.

"More than two million responses have already been received," said Schafer. "I sincerely thank those who have fulfilled their responsibility by completing and returning their census forms. However, a good number of producers have not been heard from, so I'm encouraging everyone to help make this the most accurate Census of Agriculture on record."

Conducted every five years, the Census of Agriculture is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. That information is used by town planners, policy makers, agribusinesses and others to make important growth-generating decisions that will shape rural communities for future generations.

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has already sent a second reminder mailing. Representatives from NASS's 46 field offices are now beginning to call and visit producers who have not responded.

"We need to hear from everyone, no matter how big or small their operation is, and no matter what they farm, where they farm or how they farm. As we say, it's your voice, your future and your responsibility," Schafer said.

Whether or not they are actively engaged in agricultural activity, everyone who received a Census of Agriculture form is required by law to respond. Forms can be returned by mail or submitted online. For more information, or for assistance with completing the 2007 Census of Agriculture, call toll-free (888) 424-7828 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.