Egg-cellent Fees Reduced by 20 Percent Across Texas

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced Thursday he is reducing the fees placed on licensed Texas egg producers by 20 percent, due to the health of the egg industry, expansion of the egg export market and program cost savings that Miller began since taking office.

“This is great news for the Texas egg industry,” said Commissioner Miller.  “As a cost recovery agency, any revenue generated by fees on a commodity like eggs goes right back into providing oversight and protection of that industry. With the Texas egg market booming, I’ve determined we can cut fees while still collecting enough to provide the level of service to the industry as required by law.  Our Egg Quality program works hard every day to ensure that Texas consumers get the highest quality, safest eggs grown right here in Texas.”

The new rule released by the agency enforcing the change was sent to the industry for review and public comments can be submitted by email until Nov. 16.

The Texas Department of Agriculture Egg Quality program ensures that eggs sold to Texas consumers meet strict USDA quality standards.  Under this program, TDA inspectors inspect egg packing plants, distribution centers, and retail outlets all over the state.  State law requires all dealer wholesalers, processors and brokers who are the first sell of the egg obtain a license from the department.

Earlier this year, Commissioner Miller directed staff to review agency programs for possible cuts and cost savings.

“As promised, I directed my staff to cut fees wherever it makes sense to do so,” said Miller, “and the egg fee is a great example. Since we only collect the revenues we predict we'll need to run the program, when the industry is doing well we can lower fees and still make enough to get the job done and follow the law.  That’s what our ag producers and Texas taxpayers expect.”