Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Boards, commissions, and committees administratively attached to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture serve vital roles in the governance and oversight of agricultural activities within the state. These entities are typically required or authorized by state law. Their primary purpose is to oversee various aspects of agriculture, including regulatory compliance, policy development, and resource management, thereby ensuring the sustainable and efficient growth of the agricultural sector.
Tennessee was the first state to honor its agricultural leaders with an Agricultural Hall of Fame, established by the state legislature in February, 1937. Members of the Hall of Fame have shown distinguished and exemplary service to the art and science of agriculture. Each member is honored with their likeness on a bronze plaque featured at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum.
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.
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 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.