Johnson City, Texas. Today spokesperson Chelita Riley announced formation of the Texas Lavender Association which is a nonprofit organization of Texas lavender growers formed to promote the research, education, growth, market development, and distribution of lavender and lavender products. Headquarters are in Johnson City, Blanco County, Texas.

The Association has organized divisions that will operate under the trade names Texas Lavender Growers Association and Texas Hill County Lavender Growers Association. Riley explained that the majority of commercial lavender growers in Texas currently operate farms in the Texas Hill Country and that the Texas Hill Country Lavender Growers division will focus on lavender farm interests unique to the Hill Country.

One of the principal endeavors of the Texas LGA will be the sponsorship in relevant markets of major lavender festivals, the first of which will be the Texas Hill Country Lavender Festival on October 4, 2008. This fall festival will highlight four lavender farms along US Hwy. 290 West from Johnson City to Fredericksburg, Texas. For additional information on the Texas Hill Country Lavender Festival, go to texashillcountry lavenderfestival.com.

Membership in the Association is open to commercial lavender growers and others interested in promoting lavender in Texas. Membership classifications include charter members, regular members, and associate members. For more information on joining the Texas LGA, contact Chelita Riley at 830-868-2806, P. O. Box 1717, Johnson City, Texas. 78636.