The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is closing Prentice Cooper State Forest until further notice to prevent potential spread of COVID-19.

As our nation works diligently to halt the spread of COVID-19, there is no question that agriculture is vital for the most important aspects of our daily lives. Under Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order 22, agriculture is deemed an essential service.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is closing the campsites at Prentice Cooper and Franklin State Forests until further notice. A surge in the number of campers is creating safety and health concerns for the public and forestry staff.

While the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, Tennessee’s farms remain an ideal source for fresh and local produce, dairy products, and meats. Many farms that sell directly to the public are working to keep the food supply chain strong and taking additional precautions to protect the health of their customers.

As Tennessee responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, farmers markets are doing their part to supply customers with fresh, local foods. Markets across the state are working to relieve pressure on food distribution channels, while taking safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

During this time of uncertainty, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) remains committed in our mission to safeguard your food and fiber and ensure equity in the marketplace.

The Tennessee Wine and Grape Board will meet March 18, 2020 at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Recent tornadoes and severe storms have resulted in large amounts of woody debris impacting home, farm, and woodland owners across Tennessee. Burning that debris can be an efficient way to speed the recovery process. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is reminding all citizens that if they plan to burn outdoors, a burn permit is required through May 15.

The East Gatlinburg community of Gatlinburg, Tenn. has earned Firewise USA® recognition based on its efforts to reduce the vulnerability of homes and landscapes to wildfire.

Governor Bill Lee has recognized Wes Montooth of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture with the Governor’s Excellence in Service Award. The biannual award recognizes outstanding state employees who elevate the way Tennessee State Government delivers services.

The Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee will meet March 12, 2020 at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. CDT in the Moss Administration Building located at 440 Hogan Road. The Committee will reconvene the next morning, March 13, at 9 a.m. CDT.

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will meet Feb. 23, 2020 at 4 p.m. CST at the Marriott Cool Springs, located at 700 Cool Springs Blvd, in Franklin, Tenn.

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

The Tennessee Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation will meet Feb. 13, 2020 at 1 p.m. CST in Room 127 at the West Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center, located at 605 Airways Blvd. in Jackson, Tenn.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry and the National Park Service are partnering with Keep Sevier Beautiful to host an educational event spotlighting kudzu in the Sevier County area.