AUSTIN R. KELLY

Libertarian

On ballot as: AUSTIN R. KELLY
Current role: Owner and lead biologist, ARK Ecological Consulting
Background: Two bachelor's degrees at Texas A&M
Experience: Former lecturer at Texas A&M teaching rangeland, botany and ecology classes
Was a researcher on the A&M-based Prairie Project and is a TDA-licensed Certified Prescribed Burn Manager
Top priorities: "Cutting burdensome regulations, defending property rights, and ending wasteful government spending"
"Modernize [Texas Department of Agriculture] operations through market-driven solutions"
Eliminate "red tape and protectionist rules that restrict direct-to-consumer sales, cottage foods and local processing"
Fight New World screwworm with "sound ecological science" and targeted sterile insect technique
Address "water security and rapid land fragmentation"
Tidbits: School meals: "Incentivize local school districts to partner directly with Texas agricultural producers"
New World screwworm: "Prioritize sound ecological science and coordinate targeted monitoring with livestock producers to maintain early-detection networks
Food supply and farmers: "Eliminate unnecessary red tape and protectionist rules that restrict direct-to-consumer sales, cottage foods and local processing."
Land and water: “Defend private property rights while encouraging voluntary rangeland conservation and voluntary stewardship models."
Endorsements: Ted Brown, Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate
Libertarian Booster PAC
Campaign website: kellyfortx.com

AUSTIN R. KELLY

Commissioner of Agriculture

Austin R. Kelly