PART 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROCEDURES
SUBCHAPTER R. ZERO AGRICULTURAL PEST AND DISEASE GRANT PROGRAM
The Texas Department of Agriculture (Department) adopts new Texas Administrative Code, Title 4, Part 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter R, §§1.1200 - 1.1206 relating to the establishment, implementation, and administration of the Zero Agricultural Pest and Disease Grant Program (Program), including eligibility, use of funds, application, and reporting requirements.
Section 1.1200 outlines the purpose of the Program. Section 1.1201 provides the authority for and outlines the method of administration of the Program. Section 1.1202 delineates the applicant eligibility requirements to participate in the Program. Section 1.1203 describes allowable activities for use of funds in the Program. Sections 1.1204, 1.1205, and 1.1206 identify requirements related to Program administration, including the application process and requirements, and reporting requirements. The foregoing rules are adopted without changes to the proposal published in the June 30, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 3444) and will not be republished.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND AGENCY RESPONSE
The public comment period on the proposed rules began June 30, 2023 and ended July 31, 2023.
COMMENT: The Department received one comment from Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., which expressed strong support for the proposed rules and creation of the Program.
AGENCY RESPONSE: The Department appreciates the comment submitted in support of the proposed rules and creation of the Program.
The new rules are adopted pursuant to §12.016 of the Code, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules as necessary for the administration of its powers and duties under the Code and to implement Chapter 71, Subchapter E of the Code, which directs the Department to establish a plant pest and disease detection and surveillance program.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 30, 2023.
TRD-202303213
Susan Maldonado
General Counsel
Texas Department of Agriculture
Effective date: September 19, 2023
Proposal publication date: June 30, 2023
For further information, please call: (512) 463-6591