Texas Agriculture
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee and two of its subcommittees, I have taken a proactive stance on agricultural issues of critical importance to the rural community in the 28th District of Texas.
I know the concerns that ranchers and farmers have about their livestock and crop maintenance, which is why I was active in crafting the 2007 Farm Bill. I included language in the 2007 Farm Bill to boost cattle fever tick eradication, expand broadband telemedicine and distance learning programs, develop an alternative energy program at TAMIU, and enhance the colonias access to federal programs.
Recent Agriculture Efforts
In 2009, I helped secure over $9 million for fever tick research in Texas and millions in federal funds and grants to help expand solar energy power grids in the colonias.
This past summer, we experienced a severe drought across Texas and many farms were looking for relief. That's why I worked hard with the Texas Farm Service Agency to bring drought relief assistance to our Texas farms and ranches. In fact, the first two farms in the nation to receive this relief were located in the 28th District of Texas.
I also have worked to ensure the presence of the United States Department of Agriculture in Starr County by working to keep the Rural Development Office open and I worked hard to prevent further closures of FSA offices in Zapata and La Salle Counties. These offices maintain unique important relationships within our communities.
2008 Farm Bill
Through my work on the House Committee on Agriculture, I was proud to work to craft a piece of legislation that truly represents the concerns and constituents on the 28th District of Texas. My Committee website has a full explanation of the process of passage, and the summary of what is included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/FarmBill.html
District Contacts
As part of my services for the District I wish to provide local contacts for needs relating to the Farm Service Agency and USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development is designed to reach out to small communities and stands by their mission "to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all rural Americans." More about their role in rural areas is available on their website or from the contacts below.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/aboutrd.html
USDA Local Offices:
Seguin Area Office
3251 North Highway 123 Bypass Seguin, TX 78155-6115 Phone: (830) 372-1043
Hebbronville Sub-Area Office
1700 North Smith Street, Suite A Hebbronville, TX 78361 Phone: (361) 527-3253
Edinburg Sub-Area Office
2514 South I Road, Suite 4 Edinburg, TX 78539 Phone: (956) 383-4928
Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides assistance for natural disaster losses resulting from drought, flood, fire, freeze, tornados, pest infestation, and other calamities/
Offices:
Guadalupe
Guadalupe County Farm Service Agency
3251 North Highway 123 BYP
Seguin, TX 78155
Adam Acker, County Executive Director (830) 379-0931
Wilson
Wilson County Farm Service Agency
1106 10th St
Floresville, TX 78114-2132
Stephen Svacina, County Executive Director (830) 393-3411
Atascosa
Atascosa County Farm Service Agency
107 Wyoming Blvd
Pleasanton, TX 78064-4401
Scott Heffernan, County Executive Director (830) 569-3845
Frio
Federal Building
East Colorado RM 107
Pearsall, TX 78061
Jennifer Garcia, County Executive Director (830) 334-3385
McMullen
Live Oak-McMullen County Farm Service Agency
202 Bowie
George West, TX 78022
Darren Pruski, County Executive Director (361) 449-2241
Webb
Webb County Farm Service Agency
7209 East Saunders Street Ste 6
Laredo, TX 78041-9001
Irma Rodriguez, County Executive Director (956) 723-3222
Zapata
Starr-Zapata County Farm Service Agency
4400 East Highway 83
Rio Grande City, TX 78582-4822
John Hinojosa County Executive Director (956) 487-2511
Hidalgo
Hidalgo County Farm Service Agency
2514 South I Road Ste 1
Edinburg, TX 78539-7026
Franco X. Treviño, County Executive Director (956) 381-0916
Looking Ahead
I continue to work on behalf of ranchers and farmers in the 28th District in maintaining their labor forces. When it comes to health care and immigration reform, I've asked important questions on how we can best balance our labor needs with guest visa worker programs. It's important to keep our Agriculture communities in focus when legislating in Washington.
If you are a farmer or rancher and you have specific Agriculture related questions, please contact my legislative staff in Washington at (202) 225-1640. We will be happy to assist you in your questions or concerns.
