Commissioner Appoints Members To Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board (04-15-2008)

AUSTIN - Commissioner Todd Staples today announced his appointments to the Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board, created during the 80^th Legislative Session. The board will assist the Texas Department of Agriculture in assessing the state of the organic agricultural industry and will provide recommendations to promote and expand the industry. Members  will also recommend statewide organic agriculture product education and awareness campaigns.

"Organic agricultural producers in Texas are satisfying a rapidly growing market and meeting the demands of consumers around the world," Commissioner Staples said. "Working together, we will be able to draw on the collective expertise of our board members to raise awareness of this dynamic agricultural segment as we continue to satisfy a growing demand."

The Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board will consist of:

• Four organic producers: Timothy Anderson - El Campo; Donald De Jong - Dalhart; Dennis Holbrook - Mission; James Wedel - Muleshoe
• Two organic retailers: Andrew Gunther - Whole Foods; Leslie Lockett - H-E-B
• One organic distributor: Richard Ottis - El Campo
• One organic processor: Mike Doguett - Beaumont
• One representative of the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association: Harold "Skip" Connett
• One representative of Texas Agrilife Extension: Dr. Monty Dozier
• One technical advisor employed by an institution of higher education: Dr. Alfred Parks - Prairie View A&M University
• One public representative: Howard Garrett - Dallas