The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced the launch of a new online licensing system it says will modernize licensing across the agency.
The Texas Agriculture Portal was developed by TDA’s Information Technology Division and completed under budget, according to the agency.
Commissioner Sid Miller said the update is intended to simplify licensing interactions so farmers, ranchers, businesses and consumers spend less time on paperwork.
TDA says the system allows users to apply for new licenses online, renew existing licenses using a personalized dashboard, update license information in real time and track application status with instant notifications. Additional features listed by the agency include secure online payments, document uploads and automated reminders.
TDA CIO Chris Bunton, who spoke about the agency's plans to consolidate licensing at an Industry Insider — Texas member briefing last year, said the system was built internally. This allowed TDA to tailor the platform to agency needs while saving taxpayer dollars.
TDA’s BRIDGE public renewal page states the system now processes only hemp license renewals, with other renewals and registrations directed to the new portal.
TDA says it issues and manages thousands of licenses each year across programs including pesticide application, weights and measures, and agricultural product regulation, and that the new platform will support future upgrades and broader modernization efforts.
Agriculture Dept. Launches New Agencywide Licensing System
What to Know:
- The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has launched a new, fully digitized licensing system to make it easier to apply for, renew and update licenses.
- The agency says the system adds online applications, dashboard renewals, real-time updates and status tracking with notifications.
- The new system was built internally, allowing TDA to tailor the platform to agency needs while saving taxpayer dollars.
