Ag commissioner keys on rural economic development

By LORI COPE | East Texas Edition

June 20, 2002 -- While in Northeast Texas in early June, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs explained it is her job to be involved in Rural Economic Development, mainly because of legislation passed in 1999.

Boosting rural economies is a goal for the commissioner, who sees many options for small towns. Small towns are considered rural areas, and rural areas have many people who are directly involved in agriculture.

Combs led a roundtable discussion with rural community and business leaders during a two-day tour that stopped in Marshall, Longview, Mount Pleasant, Texarkana, Sulphur Springs, Commerce, Paris, and Sherman. Combs also brought economic development ideas to the table.

"I'm looking at opportunities for us all. Anything we can do to keep our natural resources going," she said after noting she is from a small town and is a rancher with an agricultural background.

The ag commissioner touted ideas for nature tourism, one of the fastest growing income options for rural residents, and thus, rural communities. Combs outlined several examples of landowners developing nature trails, pick-your-own operations, corn mazes, and even sites for city dwellers to just come out in the late evenings to look at the stars.

"It's not nutty to people who want to spend money to come out and look at it," she said.

Combs also pointed out one nature attraction in Central Texas has just a few acres, but the owner had created a beautiful flower garden that includes dried flowers and wreaths for sale. Walking trails have been added, and most recently a barbecue/beer stand.

"He doesn't charge anyone admission, but do you know any couple that gets out of the car and doesn't spend a dollar?" she posed.

Specifically in Hopkins County, where she and her entourage stopped early Wednesday morning, June 5, Combs said she was encouraged by the rural leaders' plans to develop the county's equine industry, produce organic milk, and construct a corn maze.

"People, you have traffic (through the county)," she said about the service of giving "urban consumers access to agriculture. ... The (Texas Agriculture) Department is happy to help you."

Hopkins County agricultural leader Don Smith asked if he wanted to create a nature trail through his pasture, if TDA had grant money available to assist with such a project.

Combs noted TDA does not offer grant money for such projects, but there are loans available through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA). TDA does offer expertise in planning and development of ideas, plus a list of viable resources and information.

Grant money is available, however, to rural towns who are seeking to develop sites/projects to boost their economy. The Texas Capital Funds has about $13 million annually, and Combs said their goal is to broadly disperse the grant funds for projects such as power or water supply to an area so a company will locate there.

To achieve Texas Capital Funds, rural communities must vie for them. Applications for the monies are on a graded and competitive basis.

Combs explained TDA created a Rural Economic Development program in 2001. The program oversees all rural development programs and initiatives of TDA.

Combs, in closing, encouraged rural leaders to write their congressional representatives about their needs and concerns. "Give them something specific, something concrete. ... Give them a visual description of your needs," she said.

Smith, who is a dairy and beef producer, plus a Texas Farm Bureau board member, added that in the next 20 years, agriculture will still be a big part of Northeast Texas. "In Hopkins County, agriculture is still the number one industry. We may not see as many family farmers, but the water is here (in Northeast Texas) and the agriculture industry is here."

Combs quickly responded, "Water is generally where people are not. Just keep that in mind. You (Northeast Texas) need to build yourself a good water mouse-trap."

For more information on rural economic development, grant funds, loans, etc., access TDA's website at www.agr.state.tx.us.