Why Not Give It A Try?
It’s For Your Own Good!

By Dr. Frank J. Dainello,
Extension Horticulturist - Commercial Vegetable Crops,
Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University.

As Commercial Vegetable Crops Specialist, I have the pleasure of visiting with growers across the state. Invariably, discussions will turn to such common issues as the impact of governmental regulations and policies, the continued loss of needed pesticides, the decline in profitability, reduction in water supplies, and the lack of adequate support for the industry from A&M. These are all valid issues and concerns that need to be discussed. However, coffee-shop discussion only serves to vent frustrations. These issues need to be addressed in a forum that has the capability to take action to resolve them. Fortunately for our industry, there is such a forum in place: The Texas Vegetable Association (TVA)! Unfortunately, few vegetable producers choose to utilize the mutual benefit this organization has to offer.

Although the benefits of TVA membership are many, I believe the major ones are the roles it plays in the following: a forum to express individual and industry needs and/or concerns and to formulate strategies to resolve them; a voice of the vegetable industry to express its members’ needs and concerns, and to lobby governmental entities regarding these needs and concerns; updating governmental policies and regulations for members; a source of information on the latest technological advances in vegetable production and marketing; and, a means to obtain label registrations for minor-use pesticides. In addition to the above, membership includes the opportunity to attend the Texas Produce Convention for which TVA is a sponsor. The convention offers attendees an opportunity to visit with other producers, shippers, buyers, and regulatory agents, and to visit over 120 product-supplier exhibits. When considering the $50 price of membership, one has to wonder why everyone involved in vegetable production and marketing at any level is not an active participant is this worthwhile organization. If a individual cannot afford $50 to join, they certainly cannot afford to be in the vegetable business!

One unique feature of the vegetable industry is commercial production-unit size. Unlike agronomic production units, vegetable farms can range in size from less than an acre to several thousand acres. This can pose problems when attempting to obtain unified efforts in matters influencing the vegetable industry. There is a common misconception among small and part-time producers that their operations are inconsequential and that they do not have time or money to be involved in commodity group affairs. This belief cannot be farther from the truth, because the same issues that impact the “Big Boys” also impact the “Little Guys.”

A good example is the loss of pesticides. Without an effective herbicide, production cost rises due to increased labor to hand weed. Actions of the legislature with regard to funding vegetable research and Extension programs have the same impact on the large and small producers alike. With budget cuts for ag programs so easy to do in today’s legislature, without an active commodity group to properly educate our elected officials, our industry does not have a chance to obtain favorable legislation on such matters as water use, labor, and research and Extension positions.. A commodity group has a far better chance of getting a favorable reaction if it can claim 3,000 members rather than 300.

Unfortunately, far too many growers receive some of the same benefits as commodity group members when such groups are successful in obtaining favorable legislation. However, as more and more individuals take an attitude of non-involvement, fewer and fewer individuals are left to do the work. Consequently, if all producers do not show interest in combating problems facing their industry, why should a producer expect his or her legislator to be concerned. Like the fella once said, “If you don’t vote, don’t complain about the politicians!” The same can be said about vegetable growers. If you don’t get involved in your commodity group, don’t complain when pesticides are lost, or, when your local county Extension agent no longer is able to provide you with information. When that happens, just remember that you failed to do your part.

For TVA membership information contact:

Ray Prewitt, Executive Director
Texas Vegetable Association
901 Business Park Dr. # 400
Mission, TX 78572
Ph. 956 / 584-1681
Internet: www.tva.org