Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council

Serving as the coordinating voice or clearinghouse for all cooperative activity in the state is the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, or TACC for short. It was established in 1934 as a voluntary, statewide trade association. Because of its strong government relations mandate, it is headquartered in Austin, Texas–home of the State Capitol. In addition to its legislative and regulatory affairs role, TACC monitors nearly 5,000 bills throughout a legislative session, serves as a watchdog on regulatory initiatives and is represented on more than 15 government relations task forces. The organization actively participates in the election and campaign process, and also serves in a member service and education capacity. In fact, TACC offers as many as 21 educational meetings each year to advance the understanding of the cooperative form of business to directors, members, staff and industry representatives. In the area of member services, TACC has facilitated more than 70 strategic business plans for cooperatives and agribusiness firms, has led trade missions to Mexico, assisted in numerous business mergers, has been involved in countless joint functions with other farm organizations, and has been an annual provider of membership information through newsletters and other forums. The organization is governed by four divisions, three committees, a 17-member executive committee and a 150-member board of directors. Their action and direction is carried out by a two-member staff.