Farming is the lifeblood of Tennessee's economy and is essential to the welfare of its people. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture gives cost-share assistance to agroforestry through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP), promotes buying local through Pick Tennessee Products and cooperates with UT Extension and USDA Ag Statistics Service. It provides timely and reliable information through the Tennessee Market News Service.
The Department promotes agritourism and agricultural fairs. It also works to reduce non-point source pollution and to control the scourge of boll weevils.