Texas Administrative Code Title 4 - AGRICULTURE
Title 4 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) is dedicated to AGRICULTURE. It compiles the rules and regulations adopted by various state agencies involved in agricultural oversight in Texas.
This title is extensive and covers a wide array of topics, reflecting the diverse nature of agriculture in the state. Here's a breakdown of the key parts and the general subjects they cover:
Part 1: Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
This is the largest and most comprehensive part, covering the broad regulatory and promotional duties of the TDA. It includes regulations on:
General Procedures: Administrative rules, hearings, and enforcement.
Licensing: Various licenses related to agricultural activities.
Pest Control & Quarantines: Regulations concerning agricultural pests (like the boll weevil, citrus pests), noxious and invasive plants, and the use of pesticides. This includes licensing and training of pesticide applicators, worker protection, and pesticide registration.
Commodity Programs: Rules related to specific agricultural commodities such as:
Seed Quality and Certification: Standards for seeds sold in Texas.
Egg Law: Regulations concerning the quality and marketing of eggs.
Public Grain Warehouses: Licensing and operation of grain storage facilities.
Perishable Commodities: Handling and marketing of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items.
Cotton Pest Control: Specific measures for cotton pest eradication.
Nursery Products and Floral Items: Regulations for the sale and quality of nursery stock.
Hemp Program: Rules for the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp.
Marketing and Promotion: Regulations related to the "GO TEXAN" program and other initiatives to promote Texas agricultural products.
Organic Standards and Certification: Rules for organic agricultural production and certification in Texas.
Weights and Measures: Ensuring accuracy in commercial scales and measuring devices used in trade, including those in grocery stores and restaurants.
Special Nutrition Programs: Administration of federal and state nutrition programs in schools and other institutions (e.g., School Lunch, Child and Adult Care Food Program).
Texas Agricultural Finance Authority: Regulations concerning financial assistance programs for farmers and ranchers, including loan guarantees and interest rate reduction programs.
Rural Economic Development: Programs aimed at assisting rural communities.
Texas Office of Produce Safety: Rules related to food safety for produce.
Part 2: Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
This part focuses on animal health and disease control, including:
Disease Control: Regulations for the prevention, control, and eradication of various animal diseases (e.g., anthrax, fever ticks, brucellosis). This involves rules on testing, vaccination, movement of livestock, and quarantines.
Animal Identification: Requirements for identifying livestock.
Veterinary Biologics: Regulations related to veterinary vaccines and other biological products.
Hearing and Appeal Procedures: Processes for administrative hearings and appeals concerning TAHC actions.
Part 3: Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service/Office of the Texas State Chemist
This part regulates the sale and quality of agricultural feeds and fertilizers to protect consumers and producers.
Part 4: Office of the Chief Apiary Inspector
This covers regulations related to beekeeping and honey production, including disease control in bee colonies.
Part 5: State Seed and Plant Board
This part deals with the testing, certification, and regulation of seeds and plants.
Part 9: Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
This likely covers the operational and procedural rules for this diagnostic lab, which provides critical support for animal health surveillance and disease diagnosis.
Part 12: Texas A&M Forest Service
Regulations related to forestry practices, fire prevention, and forest health in Texas.
Part 13: Prescribed Burning Board
Rules governing prescribed burning activities, including licensing of prescribed burn managers and safety protocols.
In essence, Title 4 of the Texas Administrative Code provides the legal framework for agricultural operations, consumer protection related to agricultural products, animal health, and natural resource management within the state of Texas. It's a critical resource for anyone involved in agriculture, from farmers and ranchers to consumers and regulatory professionals.
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