Texas Department of Agriculture


The Texas Department of Agriculture is a state agency within the state of Texas, which is responsible for matters pertaining to agriculture, rural community affairs, and related matters.

History

TDA was established by the 13th Texas Legislature in 1907. TDA is headed by the Texas Agriculture Commissioner, one of four heads of state agencies which is elected by statewide ballot for a four-year term, concurrent with the gubernatorial election. John C. White is the longest-serving Agriculture Commissioner in Texas history, with 26 years of service.
The department is headquartered on the 11th floor of the Stephen F. Austin State Office Building at 1700 North Congress Avenue in Austin.
The mission statement of the Texas Department of Agriculture is: "Partner with all Texans to make Texas the nation's leader in agriculture, fortify our economy, empower rural communities, promote healthy lifestyles, and cultivate winning strategies for rural, suburban and urban Texas through exceptional service and the common threads of agriculture in our daily lives."

Commissioners of the Texas Department of Agriculture

Milner was appointed as Commissioner prior to the first statewide election in 1908.
CommissionerBeginning Term YearEnding Term Year
Robert Teague Milner19071908
Edward Reeves Kone19081914
Fred Davis19151920
George B. Terrell19211930
James E. McDonald19311950
John C. White19511977
Reagan V. Brown19771982
Jim Hightower19831990
Rick Perry19911998
Susan Combs19992006
Todd Staples20072015
Sid Miller2015

Divisions

The department is divided into the following divisions: