In this edition of East Texas In Focus, KETK’s Nolan Hoffman sat down with Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller and spoke about critical issues affecting the agriculture business in Texas.
From the potential for federal protections for the monarch butterfly to pressing agricultural topics that will be addressed during this year’s legislative session, Miller shared valuable insights into the future of agriculture in the Lone Star State.
What is the role of the Texas Agricultural Commissioner?
As head of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Miller is responsible for a broad range of duties to support the state’s agricultural industry, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living.
More importantly, the agency serves as the state’s consumer protection entity ensuring that agricultural practices remain safe and fair.
The Monarch Butterfly: A Species in the Spotlight
Late last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a federal protection for monarch butterflies.
“Presently, eastern migratory populations of monarch butterflies have declined by more than 80% since the 1980s, and western migratory populations by more than 95% in the same timeframe,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services said. “The assessment found the primary drivers affecting monarch butterflies to be the loss and degradation of breeding, migratory and overwintering habitat; exposure to insecticides; and the effects of climate change.”
The protection would establish the butterfly as a threatened species making it illegal to kill or transport the butterflies for commercial purposes. Landowners can remove milkweed, a key food source for the butterfly, but cannot make the land permanently unusable to the monarch.
However, for Miller, these protections can have a negative impact on rural development:
THC sales in Texas may face new ban
While THC products are currently available for purchase in Texas, lawmakers may soon put an end to that trend.
Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has called for a statewide ban on all forms of THC, citing concerns over the rise of the potentially harmful Delta-8 and Delta-9 strains. These products are sold in low quantities, but still have the potency to get consumers high, creating safety risks, particularly for children.
Patrick has emphasized that the proposed ban would not affect the state’s Compassionate Use Program, which allows patients with certain chronic conditions to use low-THC cannabis.
Miller voiced his support for Patrick’s call to ban THC products, explaining his opposition to hemp as a commercial product, but also stressing his support for expanding Texas’ medical marijuana program.
Is Texas running out of water?
In light of ongoing water scarcity concerns, Gov. Greg Abbott recently highlighted the importance of securing additional water sources for Texas. He stressed that addressing this issue will be a key priority in the upcoming legislative session.
One potential solution, Abbott suggested, could involve using technology to capture floodwater from regions where rainfall is abundant and transporting it to areas facing shortages.
Miller echoed Abbott’s concerns, warning that Texas is running out of water and that cities across the state are increasingly struggling to meet the demands of their growing populations.
Miller on Trump’s policies for America’s farmers
Miller expressed strong support for President Donald Trump’s agricultural policies, pointing out that tariffs under Trump’s first administration redirected revenue to help farmers stay afloat. This, according to Miller, resulted in record-high profits for farmers during the last two years of the Trump presidency.
In contrast, Miller said the current state of agriculture is at a $45 billion trade deficit, meaning Americans will purchase $45 billion more food than was exported. The past four years have been unprofitable for farmers, something Miller blames on the current administration.
He also criticized the loss of America’s position as the “breadbasket of the world,” emphasizing the need for Trump’s policies to return profitability to farming.
To watch the full episode with Miller, people can check out the video here or visit KETK’s YouTube.
