<p>The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has endorsed candidate J Allen Carnes in the race for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Bret Erickson, TIPA President and CEO, says that to his knowledge, it’s the first time the 71-year old association has made a political endorsement. He says this this election is critical to the future of Texas agriculture.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“Our endorsement of J Allen Carnes should send a message to all voters that Carnes is the only true Ag candidate in this race who has the vision to grow Texas agriculture for all Texans,” said Erickson. He says Carnes is a life-long farmer who has been a tireless volunteer advocate for agriculture at the state and national levels.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“I am honored to have this endorsement from an organization whose roots are tied to Texas agriculture,” says Candidate Carnes. “Having worked closely with TIPA board members across the state, I know firsthand how committed they are to providing Texans with the safest, most affordable and abundant food.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Carnes has also been endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau (AGFUND), Texas Citrus Mutual, and the Corn Producers Association of Texas.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Carnes is a vegetable, cotton and grain farmer in Uvalde, where he is also Mayor. A conservative Republican businessman, he has held a number of leadership roles including Former President and Director of the Texas Vegetable Association, past director of the Texas Produce Association and Texas Representative for the National Council of Ag Employers.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The Republican Primary Election for Texas Agriculture Commissioner will be held March 4, 2014.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="https://jcarnesfortexas.com/" target="_new"> J Allen Carnes Campaign </a><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.texasproduceassociation.com/who/" target="_new"> The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
