TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COMMISSIONER SID MILLER
2020
Year In Review
T
he Texas Department of Agriculture, like so many Texans during this diicult
time, experienced success and challenges throughout 2020. From the successful
launch of the Industrial Hemp program in March to the ongoing response to the
COVID-19 pandemic, TDA continued its mission to promote Texas agriculture, provide
food assistance to schools and communities, and support Texas-made products and
businesses – all while sta worked remotely.
Commissioner Sid Miller provided state and national leadership on many occasions,
from advocating support for Texas rural hospitals on CBS’ 60 Minutes to warning
Texans about dangerous unsolicited seed packets from China that threatened Texas
agriculture. He assured the public of the strength and security of the food supply
chain when negative media attention stirred panic. Throughout this year, TDA and
Commissioner Miller have repeatedly sought state and federal assistance for rural
hospitals, community food banks and local businesses. The quality work of TDA
personnel and Commissioner Miller were supported by the Sunset Commission
recommendation that the agency be continued, as well as a 94% approval rating in a
customer service report issued over the summer.
Here are a few agency highlights from a year that no one will ever forget:
“This year has tested all of us. But as with
every other challenge, Texans were up to
the fight and showed the kind of grit and
determination we’re known for.”
“I am very proud of all the Texas Depart-
ment of Agriculture has accomplished on
behalf of the people of Texas during this
time. We’ve got a great team and, like ev-
eryone else, we’re looking forward to bet-
ter times ahead. Happy New Year, Texas.”
Commissioner Sid Miller
JANUARY
TDA is the victim of web defacement in a nationwide online attack.
Commissioner Miller speaks to American Farm Bureau Federation.
Trump also addresses group.
USMCA signed. Great deal for ag producers in Texas and across the
country.
Commissioner Miller hosts public hearing regarding industrial hemp
program rules at Texas Farm Bureau auditorium in Waco. Releases
introductory hemp video to the public.
Season 1 of Commissioner Miller’s new TV show, Texas Agriculture
Matters, debuts nationally on RFD-TV, reaching millions of homes across
the country.
MARCH
TDA releases first GO TEXAN Independence Day gift guide celebrating
Texas
Commissioner Miller launches Texas Industrial Hemp Program; begins
accepting license applications; releases required orientation video. To
date, the program has issued over 1100 hemp producer licenses, with 5,500
acres in fields permitted as well as 12 million square feet in greenhouses.
COVID-19 pandemic begins, TDA begins remote work and launches
coronavirus response eorts.
Commissioner requests Governor Abbott provide dollars to help rural
hospitals.
Commissioner Miller publishes letter declaring ag workers and other
ag industries as essential, granting them ability to keep businesses open.
TDA announces flexibility to allow closed schools to continue to provide
school meals, approves opening of almost 10,000 feeding sites to respond
to pandemic, requests over 3 dozen waivers from federal government to
keep programs going.
TDA makes policy adjustments to allow Mexican toilet paper and bulk
eggs to be sold to Texas consumers to counter shortages.
TDA field sta are mobilized to deliver hand sanitizer and personal
protection equipment to rural hospitals and clinics across the state.
APRIL
Commissioner Miller announces first hemp producers license to a
producer in Killeen, Texas.
TDA and Commissioner Miller announce emergency federal funding for
rural hospitals is on the way.
TDA launches the Direct from
Texas online eort to connect local ag
producers to consumers interested in
buying directly from Texas farms and
ranches.
MAY
Commissioner takes his appeal
for rural hospitals nationwide with
appearance on CBS News’ 60 Minutes.
TDA launches federal Farmers to Families Food Box program in Texas to
get fresh produce directly to those who need it.