The department may provide and sell agricultural information, create and distribute promotional materials, charge related advertising and royalty fees, and make publication agreements.
Sec. 12.031. ADVERTISING, PUBLICATIONS, AND FEES. (a) The department may provide or sell information, including books, magazines, photographs, prints, and bulletins, to the public concerning agriculture, horticulture, or related industries. (a-1) In order to market and promote agricultural and other products grown, processed, or produced in this state, the department may create, distribute, and provide informational materials to the public in any type of media format. (b) In order to recover the costs of administering activities under Sections 12.002, 12.0175, 46.0095, 47.052, and 50B.001, the department may sell advertising and assess and collect fees, revenues, and royalties on department-owned content, information, or materials described by Subsections (a) and (a-1), including the department's state or federally registered certification marks, service marks, and trademarks. (c) The department may enter into agreements with private entities and local, state, federal, or foreign governmental entities for publication of information concerning agriculture, horticulture, or related industries. (c-1) The department may collect an event fee or a royalty for the marketing and promotional activities authorized by: (1) this chapter; (2) Chapter 46; (3) Chapter 47; or (4) Chapter 50B. (d) Money received under this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury and may be appropriated only to the department for the department's activities or programs relating to the marketing and promotion of agriculture, horticulture, and other industries that grow, process, or produce products in this state. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 226, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 69 (S.B. 1086), Sec. 2, eff. May 17, 2011. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 69 (S.B. 1086), Sec. 3, eff. May 17, 2011.