TITLE 4.AGRICULTURE

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Chapter 17. MARKETING AND PROMOTION

Subchapter C. TAP, TASTE OF TEXAS, VINTAGE TEXAS, TEXAS GROWN, NATURALLY TEXAS AND GO TEXAN AND DESIGN MARKS

4 TAC §17.52, §17.55

The Texas Department of Agriculture (the department) adopts amendments to §17.52 and §17.55, concerning the department's GO TEXAN membership program rules, without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 14, 2004, issue of the Texas Register (29 TexReg 4631). The amendments to §17.52 and §17.55 are adopted to make the sections consistent with the current practices established as a result of the department's updating of its registration processing systems and to make the program application process more efficient. The amendments to §17.52 change the date when a statement setting forth fees will be mailed by the department to existing program members, change the due date for registration fees, and change the department's policy for late payment of fees. The amendment to §17.55 provides that an applicant must remit the required registration fee with the application, rather than 30 days after notification of approval.

No comments were received on the proposal.

The amendments are adopted under the Texas Agriculture Code, §12.0175, which authorizes the department to establish by rule programs to promote and market agricultural products and other products, grown, processed or produced in the state and to charge a membership fee for participation in such programs.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2004.

TRD-200403975

Dolores Alvarado Hibbs

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Agriculture

Effective date: July 7, 2004

Proposal publication date: May 14, 2004

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4075