Boards, Commissions, and Committees

The Hall of Fame was created by an act of legislature in 1937 for the purpose of bestowing a lasting honor to Tennesseans who have “rendered distinguished service in the science and art of Agriculture.” The Agricultural Hall of Fame is housed in the Tennessee Agricultural Museum at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville.

The Tennessee Beef Promotion Board was created in 2012 by state law to oversee the collection and use of assessments paid by producers for the purpose of promoting beef and beef products in-state. The board comprises representatives from the Tennessee Livestock Market Association, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Tennessee Dairy Association, and Tennessee Beef Cattle Improvement Initiative.

The Tennessee Corn Promotion Board was created in 2018 by state law to oversee the collection and use of assessments paid by producers to promote the increased production, consumption, use, and sale of Tennessee corn products.

The Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee comprises 11 members directly affected by the assessment paid by dairy producers for the promotion of milk and milk products. Membership is in proportion to the method of milk marketed either through agricultural dairy cooperatives or by direct sale.

The Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission was established by legislative action in 2020 and is charged with studying the status of equine health and emerging equine health issues. The nine members of the commission work together to promote horse health and to encourage sound agricultural practices with equine activities and the breeding of equine livestock.

The Tennessee General Assembly created the Tennessee State Fair and Exposition Commission. The seven-member commission is administratively attached to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and meets as necessary to conduct business.

The Tennessee Forestry Commission comprises seven members representing the public’s interests as they relate to forest resources in the state. The commission advises the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on forest issues.

The Tennessee Pest Control Advisory Board comprises seven members representing the pest control industry and consumers. The board sets standards for licensing in categories of pesticide application. The board also advises the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on pest control issues and regulatory matters.

Tennessee Pork Producers Association was organized in 1985.The TPPA promotes Pork. It supports Tennessee's swine farmers by educating consumers and producers, investing in industry research, marketing pork and its products, and supporting the overall efforts of Tennessee's swine farm families. As well as a healthy diet to consumers and organizes educational meetings for producers and farmers.

The Tennessee General Assembly created the commission in 1939 to assist in developing local soil conservation districts. The commission advises the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on matters of soil conservation and water quality improvement.

The Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board was established to promote the growth and development of the state’s soybean industry. The board invests checkoff funds in research, advertising, promotion, education, and market development, and is led by nine volunteer soybean farmers who work to maximize profit opportunities for soybean producers.

The Tennessee Wine and Grape Board was established in May 2019 and consists of seven members. Its purpose is to support the growth of the wine industry in Tennessee. The board’s goal is to increase the number of wineries in the state, improve the quality of wine produced, promote the wine industry and viticulture, and manage a wholesaler rebate program for Tennessee wineries.