Boards, Commissions, and Committees

The Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame was created by the General Assembly in 2025 as a successor to the Agricultural Hall of Fame created in 1937. The Hall of Fame highlights persons who made a significant impact on the improvement of agriculture or forestry in the state through agricultural or forestry business, invention, production, science, or technology. The Hall of Fame is under the general supervision of the Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame Board and 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 members of the Board shall be the same members of the board of directors of the Tennessee Beef Industry Council. 

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 Board comprises representatives from the Tennessee Corn Growers Association, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. 

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 the General Assembly 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 Commission must meet at least once annually and must submit to the General Assembly and Governor a report each February 1. 

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

The Tennessee Pest Control Advisory Board comprises seven members representing the pest control industry and consumers. The Board is authorized to advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on promulgation of rules, license categories, applicant qualifications, and license examinations. 

The Tennessee Pork Producers Association was created by statute in 1985. It supports 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. It promotes a healthy diet to consumers and organizes educational meetings for producers and farmers. As of March 2026, this board has never been stood up.

The Tennessee General Assembly created the Soil & Water Conservation 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 Board is not administratively attached to the Department of Agriculture, but the Commissioner of Agriculture is responsible for appointments. 

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.