TAAA 2011 President - Andy Mitchell

 EPA Implements Final Pesticide NPDES General Permit

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted on its website its final Pesticide NPDES General Permit (PGP) Monday, Oct 31, consistent with the 6th Circuit Court's deadline. NAAA (National Agricultural Aviation Association has developed a comprehensive overview of the permit detailing the impacts of the new permit on aerial applicators. NAAA has also developed a number of documents to help aid aerial applicators in complying with the permits. For further information click here.

TEXAS - EPA Region 6 Final Permit - click here 

New Sales Tax Exemption Registration for Agriculture and Timber Operators

(AUSTIN) — Beginning Jan.1, 2012, farm, ranch and timber operators who produce agricultural and timber products for sale will need a special registration number to claim a sales tax exemption on taxable products used in those businesses. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced they can get a registration number through either a mail-in application or an online application that begins Oct. 3.  To continue reading the article click here

**New Sales Tax Exemption**

One of the most important tax provisions impacting aerial applicator operations is the sales tax exemption on the purchase of airplanes and airplane equipment. TAAA worked very hard for many years to get this provision in place and to protect it from elimination. We were especially concerned during this past legislative session as many tax exemptions were at risk while the legislature sought to close a $27 billion shortfall. Many operators already obtain a sales tax exemption certificate for use in their businesses, but it was not clear that such a certificate was required in all cases. HB 268 by Representative Harvey Hilderbran, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, passed legislation this past session requiring the certificate in order to help eliminate fraud and abuse of agricultural exemptions in general. The new requirement applies to aerial application operations. All things considered, TAAA officers and staff determined that this was a reasonable requirement with which we could readily comply. Set forth below is a note from Comptroller Susan Combs discussing the new requirement please clickhere  http://window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/ag_timber_exemption.html     

Annual Conference and Exhibition

TAAA's 61st Annual Conference and Exhibition has come and gone ! President Jason Wooten graciously hosted the event with his wife Carla at the Historic Hilton Hotel in Ft Worth, TX. Highlights at this year's convention were guest speakers Todd Staples, Texas Ag Commissioner and Mark Hartz, this year's NAAA President from Arkansas. Attendees learned in the Turbine Engine, GPS and PAASS classrooms; played on the golf course and the shooting range; networked during the receptions, banquets and free times; and shared lots of old stories from yesterdays and new ideas for tomorrow. Remember, it's never too soon to start making plans for next years 62nd convention hosted by TAAA current President Andy Mitchell and his wife Rita in San Antonio, TX