Updates on Citrus Greening in the Valley

TDA established a 5 mile quarantine zone around the infected orchard. TNLA notified its members and all are complying with the quarantine. Commissioner Staples appointed Jim Reaves to the Science Panel to advise weekly decisions on the quarantine.  Each Friday, the group meets by phone to make recommendations.  Commissioner Staples has thanked TNLA multiple times for our input and our working to stop this threat. 

Todd Kinney, State Director for TNLA Region VII, addressed a crowd of concerned citrus growers and local media with Texas Ag Commission Todd Staples and Texas Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

North Texas Stage 4 Restrictions Delayed; TNLA and Green Industry Coalition address NTMWD.

On Jan. 26, TNLA coordinated over 70 members and the Green Industry coalition to join together to address the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) about the effects of early implementation of Stage 4 water restrictions. Over 70 TNLA members filled the facility-it was literally standing room only- to share our concerns for our industry, the economy, consumers, and the environment. Retailers, Growers, Landscape Professionals and Suppliers talked about the threats of early implementation and offered ideas to address water supply and demand.

On December 26, 2011, the Dallas Morning News ran an article, "Even Tougher Water Restrictions Could Come with New Year." The article detailed the North Texas Municipal Water Board's (NTMWB) efforts to implement Stage 4 water restrictions in advance of their drought emergency plan's original implementation schedule. These actions appeared to have been prompted by the possibly of Lake Texoma's water supply contaminating the Trinity Water Basin. Lake Texoma supplies about 30% of the region's water.

The NTMWB plan was to vote on the more restrictive Stage 4 water restrictions at its January 26, 2012 meeting and implement the restrictions on April 1, 2012. After increased public concern and industry attention, this meeting is now a chance for industry and the public to give testimony to the board on our economic impact and our positive affect on the environment. TNLA will continue to keep you informed. Feel free to contact Jim Reaves at 512.579.3851 or jim@tnlaonline.org with comments and questions.

The nursery/landscape industry brought Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples into the mix last week. He called a meeting yesterday between NTMWD and our nursery/landscape coalition to discuss the issue. NTMWD is recommending that Stage IV water restrictions not go into effect prior to June 1, 2012. We as an industry have the opportunity to push that date back later into the summer with proper education of our industry's clients.

Commissioner Staples and his team continue to fully support our industry. He is currently working with other state and federal agencies to overcome some of the obstructions that are hindering water flow into the NTMWD's water sources. NTMWD and the nursery/landscape coalition are developing a good working relationship moving forward. We would like to thank each of you for your efforts. This must be a true team effort.

Click here to review What Could Stage 4 Watering Restrictions Mean?.

Pipeline Safety vs. Our Ability to Install and Maintain Landscapes

A Railroad Commission of Texas proposal would eliminate the variance enjoyed by contractors maintaining landscape irrigation systems, planting small and medium landscape elements, or planting young nursery stock which requires digging less than 16 inches into the earth. 

TNLA Staff participated in their meeting and made clear the concerns we have with possible rule changes.  TNLA Staff is working with the RRC and other interested parties to ensure that landscape professionals and licensed irrigators are not over burdened with having to “Call Before You Dig” when installing plant material or doing maintenance on irrigation systems. 

TNLA and its members respect the danger of breaking underground pipelines when digging, but do not feel that calls to mark underground utilities when planting nursery stock no more than 16 inches deep is warranted.  Currently, Texas statute exempts agriculture from having to make these calls when installing plant material and the RRC is unable to change our exemption unless the legislature gives them that authority.

For irrigation maintenance and all other non agriculture digging, the RRC is proposing to the 16 inch variance, thus making everyone “Call Before You Dig”.  On non-agriculture digging, TNLA believes that a 12 inch dig threshold would be adequate since waiting for surveyors to come out every time you intend to scratch the surface of the earth would be unworkable.

The RRC is currently accepting comments on the proposed change to the Administrative Code, Chapter 18, which regulates pipeline safety when excavating sites in Texas (including residential and commercial).  In early 2012, the RRC will incorporate all the stakeholder’s comments and produce a proposed rule that will be published in the Texas Register.  If needed, TNLA will have another opportunity to comment on these rules prior to them going before the RRC Commission for a vote.

TNLA Staff will continue to incorporate ourselves into this regulatory process.  If you have questions or comments, contact Jim Reaves at jim@tnlaonline.org or 512.579.3851.

How to Get Your New Ag/Timber Registration from the Comptroller

New Sales Tax Exemption Registration for Agriculture and Timber Operators

Under a new state law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011, commercial agriculture or timber producers will need an Ag/ Timber Number issued by the Comptroller’s office to make eligible sales tax-exempt purchases for their business beginning Jan. 1, 2012. Who this affects: If you produce agricultural or timber products for sale in the regular course of business, the new law will require you to have an Ag/Timber Number for eligible sales tax-exempt purchases.