The Texas Department of Agriculture administers programs that serve both traditional agricultural operations and rural businesses. TDA's portfolio includes the state Community Development Block Grant program, rural economic development grants, agricultural trade support, and regulatory programs that affect food and agricultural businesses across Texas.
Texas Capital Fund
TDA administers the Texas Capital Fund, the state's economic development component of the federal CDBG program for non- entitlement areas (cities under 50,000 and counties under 200,000 population):
- Infrastructure Finance Program: Grants to communities for public infrastructure directly supporting business development, with job creation requirements
- Real Estate Development Program: Funding for real estate improvements supporting business growth
- Main Street Program: Technical assistance for downtown revitalization in designated communities
GO TEXAN Program
The GO TEXAN marketing program helps Texas agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and other businesses market products identified with Texas. Benefits include:
- Use of the GO TEXAN brand and trademark
- Marketing and promotional support
- Trade show participation and buyer matching
- Retail and restaurant placement assistance
- International trade support for Texas agricultural products
Young Farmer Grant Program
TDA administers grants to support beginning and young farmers in Texas, providing funding for equipment, land improvement, and operational costs during the early years of farm establishment.
Agricultural Trade Programs
- International marketing: TDA supports Texas agricultural exports through trade missions, trade shows, and international buyer programs
- Domestic marketing: Promotion of Texas agricultural products within the state and nationally
- Farm to table programs: Connecting Texas producers with restaurants, retailers, and institutional buyers
Regulatory Programs Affecting Agricultural Businesses
- Weights and measures: TDA regulates commercial weighing and measuring devices
- Pesticide regulation: Licensing and regulation of pesticide applicators and dealers
- Organic certification: TDA provides organic certification for Texas producers through the USDA National Organic Program
- Structural pest control: Licensing for pest control businesses
Rural Economic Development Programs
- Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement Program: Grants for rural health facilities that serve as economic anchors in small communities
- Fire Ant Research Fund: Grants for research on fire ant management, relevant to agricultural and land management businesses
- Wine industry development: Support for Texas wine producers through promotion, research, and regulatory assistance
How to Access TDA Programs
- Visit texasagriculture.gov: TDA's website provides program descriptions, applications, and regulatory information
- Contact your regional TDA office: TDA maintains field offices across Texas for program assistance
- Apply for GO TEXAN: Registration is available online for businesses producing or marketing Texas products
- Coordinate with your city/county: Texas Capital Fund applications come through local government entities
Bottom Line
TDA serves a broader constituency than its name suggests. Between the Texas Capital Fund (rural economic development), GO TEXAN (marketing support), agricultural trade programs, and regulatory services, TDA programs reach agricultural producers, food manufacturers, rural businesses, and any company marketing Texas-identified products.
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