MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

9:00 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs was held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Craig Estes Senator Glenn Hegar		Senator Carlos Uresti Senator Juan Hinojosa Senator Mike Jackson

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.  The following business was transacted: 

 

The chair made opening remarks, including the announcement that May 24, 2010 is the final interim hearing, pending any emergency business that would precipitate an additional hearing.

 

The committee heard testimony on Interim Charge 2: Study current federal, state and local safeguards to protect our food supply.  Identify gaps that may exist in Texas statute, agency roles, and authority for ensuring a safe food supply for Texas, including imported fruits and vegetables.  Examine the impact of revised federal regulations on the State, and the potential impact of pending federal legislation.  Examine the existing capabilities of the public health system on the border to accomplish public health surveillance of food.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

 

The committee heard testimony on Interim Charge 3: Study the impact of windblown herbicides on grape growing and other agricultural production.  Make recommendations for improving the safety and quality of Texas agricultural products.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

 

The committee heard testimony on a portion of Interim Charge 5, to monitor the Texas Department of Agriculture's efforts to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids in foods provided by Texas schools.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

 

At 11:10 a.m. Senator Estes moved that the committee stand recessed subject to call of the chair; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Craig Estes, Chair

 

 

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Raenetta Nance, Clerk