While Texas slowly begins to reopen, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has launched a new online effort to connect consumers with local agriculture producers selling directly to the public. The “Direct from Texas” campaign has posted a list of Texas producers selling items like beef, pecans, honey, vegetables, fruit and more directly to the public. Also, a new “Direct from Texas” Facebook Group provides a forum for these businesses and consumers to interact and do business. Selling direct to the public allows Texas growers and producers to avoid delays in distribution chains while continuing to make money until restaurants, cruise ships, hotels and other businesses fully reopen.
“This is like agriculture used to be,” Miller said. “A farmer or rancher has a great product and they sell it directly to their neighbor. Today, that neighbor can be around the corner or across the globe. “Direct from Texas” provides our ag producers another avenue to reach customers until Texas finally reopens. And consumers get fresh, Texas-made products. That’s what I call a Texas “twofer” – everybody wins.”
As COVID-19 continues to impact rural communities around the state, the ability for Texas farmers and ranchers to sell directly to the consumers proves the food supply remains strong despite interruptions in processing, packaging or distribution.
To see the “Direct from Texas” business listing, go online to gotexan.org/Home/SupportLocalFarmersandRanchers.aspx
To join the Facebook Group, visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/directfromtexas and request to join.
There is no cost to appear on the web listing or join the Facebook Group. This is provided by the Texas Department of Agriculture as a public service in support of Texas businesses.
