The House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock

87th Legislature

June 1, 2022

10:00 a.m.

E2.010

Pursuant to a notice posted on May 19, 2022, the House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Burns, at 10:15 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Burns; Anderson; Bailes; Cole; Cyrier; and Guillen.

A quorum was present.

(Representatives Herrero and Toth participating virtually, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.)

Chairman Burns made opening remarks.

The Committee took testimony on the following interim charges and issues:

Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

·       HB 2089, relating to the detection and mitigation of plant pests and diseases;

·       SB 1, Rider 27 (Department of Agriculture), which relates to determining methods to increase the number of grocery stores in food deserts; and

·       SB 1, Rider 28 (Department of Agriculture), which relates to the Experimental Use Program for feral hog abatement.

·       Overview of the Herd Certification Program, a summary of the USDA report findings.

Study the access of the state’s agricultural industry to available capital through loans, grants, or other sources. Make recommendations to ensure the agricultural industry has sufficient access to available capital, as well as how the Texas Department of Agriculture can educate farmers, agricultural producers, and others about available sources of capital.

Study the impact on agricultural operations of governmental and regulatory requirements and practices including those that prevent or prohibit an activity that is a normally accepted agricultural practice, and make recommendations to facilitate and encourage agricultural production in the state.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 12:55 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Burns, Chair

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Dalton Moore, Clerk