An initiative spearheaded by three Texas entities seeks to assist the next generation of agricultural producers, helping to secure the future of national food security.
The partnership between the Texas General Land Office, Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas A&M University focuses on assisting beginner Texas agriculture producers by providing education, mentorship, and “a pathway towards farming or ranching.”
Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said that the partnership is all about giving the next generation “a pathway into agriculture” and “putting Texas land to work.”
“Food security is national security, and that security starts with making sure we have the people and the land needed to produce the food our families depend on,” said Buckingham. “The number of farms in America is declining, our agricultural workforce is getting older, and we must prepare today for who will feed Texas tomorrow.”
Buckingham’s office says that this partnership is a continuation of the GLO’s “Texas Engine Initiative,” a vision “for putting Texas’s land and natural resources to work to strengthen our state today and to secure America’s future.”
There are five “interconnected pillars” in this broader initiative, including helping to protect working land, conserve water, and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to carry forward the legacy of feeding Texas and the U.S. forward.
As part of the initiative with Texas Farm Bureau and Texas A&M University, the GLO will explore ways to provide producers with access to state lands.
According to the Texas Farm Bureau, information on upcoming land leases will be made available to its members.
Buckingham also highlighted Texas A&M University’s “unmatched agricultural research, education, and extension expertise” that it will bring to the partnership.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension currently offers a variety of online resources, programs, and courses for beginner ranchers and farmers, which can be found here.
