By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor

After the COVID-19 pandemic created disruptions in the food supply chain, consumers have increasingly turned to local farmers and ranchers for produce, meat, eggs and more.

To help consumers find local products, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) recently launched a new campaign, Direct from Texas.

Selling direct to the public allows Texas farmers and ranchers to avoid some delays in distribution chains while continuing to generate income until restaurants, cruise ships, hotels and other businesses fully reopen, according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

“This is like agriculture used to be,” Miller said. “A farmer or rancher has a great product and they sell it directly to their neighbor. Today, that neighbor can be around the corner or across the globe. Direct from Texas provides our ag producers another avenue to reach customers until Texas finally reopens. And consumers get fresh, Texas-made products. That’s what I call a Texas ‘twofer’—everybody wins.”

A list of Texas farmers and ranchers selling items like beef, pecans, honey, vegetables, fruit and more directly to the public is now available online at TDA’s GO TEXAN website. The GO TEXAN program celebrates, promotes and supports Texas agriculture.

A new Direct from Texas Facebook group provides a forum for these businesses and consumers to interact and do business on social media.

“As COVID-19 continues to impact rural communities around the state, the ability for Texas farmers and ranchers to sell directly to the consumers proves the food supply remains strong despite interruptions in processing, packaging or distribution,” Miller said.

To join the Facebook group, visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/directfromtexas and request to join. Miller said there is no cost to appear on the listing or to join the Facebook group.

TDA created the list as a public service in support of Texas agricultural businesses.