Newsroom

Cost share funding will increase production for farms and forestry-focused small businesses and increase access to nutritious food in Tennessee’s urban areas.

To reduce wildland fire risk, Tennesseans are reminded that a burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division is required through May 15 for all open burning where local restrictions do not apply.

Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation honoring farmers and foresters as part of state and national Agriculture Day activities today. Tennessee farmers, foresters, agriculture officials, legislators, 4-H members, FFA members, and citizens celebrated with “Ag Day on the Hill” in downtown Nashville.

Governor Bill Lee is honoring Kathy Booker of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) for exceptional service to the state with the Governor’s Excellence in Service Award. Booker is the Pesticides Administrator in the Consumer and Services Industry Division.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is observing Weights and Measures week March 1-7, 2024 to recognize the role of accurate measurement systems in commerce.

Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed March 1 as Arbor Day in Tennessee to recognize the importance of planting and maintaining trees in our state. This year’s celebration will be held at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn. The public is invited to the Arbor Day celebration and tree planting. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. CST. Parking is available at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum at 404 Hogan Road.

The Tennessee State Veterinarian confirms that a horse in Bedford County that died was positive for rabies.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is now accepting applications for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the final round of funding for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share program. FARM will provide financial assistance to agricultural, food, forestry, and nonprofit agricultural entities in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the addition of Sarah Emery as the Director of Pick Tennessee Products. A native of Dyersburg, Tenn., Emery brings an array of education, experience, and enthusiasm to this leadership role.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Tennessee Association of Fairs recently recognized the outstanding achievements of Tennessee's premier county fairs. These accolades were presented to the top county, regional, and state agricultural fairs for the 2023 season, highlighting their excellence in sharing agricultural knowledge with fairgoers.

Gov. Bill Lee and Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. announce the appointment of Heather Slayton as Tennessee State Forester and Assistant Commissioner for the Forestry Division. She succeeds David Arnold, who is retiring after more than three decades of public service.

The second round of funding of the Tennessee Urban Farm and Forestry (TUFF) cost share program is available to businesses in Tennessee’s disadvantaged urban communities that aim to provide education about healthy food or increase agricultural production and forest products.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is announcing the second round of recipients for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share program.

Following months of restoration of damaged roads and trails in Franklin State Forest, the Forest will re-open three roads to motorized vehicles on Jan. 4, 2024.