A new “farm to table” caucus has been formed in the Texas House to support the interests of urban farmers and local food producers, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The farm to table caucus, formed by State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin), appears to be the first of its kind in both Texas and the United States.
Rodriguez aims for the caucus to unite interests of both urban and rural residents, increasing access to local food and supporting small agricultural producers.
“I see it as a kind of bridge between urban and rural interests,” Rodriguez told the Austin American-Statesman.
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) has been named vice chair of the farm to table caucus. The group also has received support from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.
“I look forward to working with this new caucus to create policies that strengthen Texas agriculture and provide continued success for farmers and ranchers in the urban and rural areas of our great state,” Staples said. “When agriculture prospers, consumers are the winners.”