TITLE: Commending Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers and Ranchers for its contributions to historically underserved agricultural producers.

SUMMARY: Commending Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers and Ranchers for its contributions to historically underserved agricultural producers.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers and Ranchers organization has rendered exceptional support to historically underserved agricultural producers; and WHEREAS, In 2017, a group of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in Nacogdoches County formed TASFR as a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing rural economies, conserving and managing natural resources, preventing the further decline of family farms, and improving the quality of life for minorities in rural areas; under the leadership of executive director Igalious "Ike" Mills, the organization serves communities across Texas, as well as Oklahoma and Arkansas, through its outreach, technical assistance, and research and development initiatives while promoting best practices in renewable energy efforts and new technology in farming and ranching operations; and WHEREAS, TASFR advocates for agricultural producers at the local, state, and national level, and it sponsors an annual Agriculture/Forestry Summit, where the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides disadvantaged farmers and ranchers with valuable information on a range of important topics; currently, TASFR is collaborating with Prairie View A&M University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Brigham Young University, and Duke University in an effort to further support farmers and ranchers and to increase program participation; and WHEREAS, Providing a wide range of educational opportunities, TASFR offers clients visits to farms and ranches, surplus pine tree seedling planting assistance, agency coordination for topography map and soil analysis, and youth and community gardening programs; additionally, the organization gives career and scholarship guidance and facilitates workshops on such subjects as farm management, estate and financial planning, and water quality; in carrying out its work, TASFR partners with a number of agencies and organizations, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, and the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center, among others; and WHEREAS, By helping historically underserved farmers and ranchers to achieve success, TASFR has greatly benefited communities throughout the Lone Star State and beyond, and all those associated with the organization may indeed take pride in their exceptional efforts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commend Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers and Ranchers for its myriad contributions and extend to the organization sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for TASFR as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Manuel Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 336 was adopted by the House on March 8, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 140, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House