Tennessee farmers seeking to expand their markets and increase food safety by becoming Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified can receive financial assistance from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). Achieving certification allows producers to increase their income by selling to more businesses, and the certification helps to ensure food sold to customers is safe.

Tennessee’s forests will benefit from strengthened partnerships between federal and state agencies following today’s virtual signing of a Shared Stewardship agreement. Under Secretary of Agriculture James Hubbard represented USDA and Tennessee’s Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers, and Wildlife Resources Agency Director Bobby Wilson all signed on behalf of Governor Bill Lee.

Work of the newly-formed Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission is underway with a group of experts in the equine industry. The commission was enacted by legislative action in 2020 and is charged with studying the status of equine health and emerging equine health issues.

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. has announced the addition of Andy Holt to the Business Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). Holt will serve as Director of Business Development in support of economic development initiatives, as well as agriculture and forestry industry expansion.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory aims to strengthen animal health programs with assistance from a federal grant. The National Animal Health Laboratory Network awarded $250,000 in funding to Kord Lab through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry, in cooperation with the Tennessee Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, released the draft of the 2020 Tennessee Forest Action Plan for public comment.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the launch of a new online, interactive source for agriculture and forestry information for every county in Tennessee. The live dashboards enable people to access real-time data for a range of information in one easy-to-access place.

The holiday shopping season is just around the corner, and the right gifts for family and friends await at your local small businesses. Dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country, Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28.

As cool, crisp air draws near, a visit to a local Christmas tree farm is the perfect outdoor adventure to generate holiday spirit and family fun in a safe way. Many Christmas tree farms sell between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, but some are open as early as Nov. 21.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is alerting consumers to an increase in fraudulent credit card devices found at gas pumps across the state.

The Tennessee state veterinarian’s office reminds out-of-state rabbit owners of requirements for transporting their animals into the state.

Hemp growers in Tennessee will have more time to adjust to federal Domestic Hemp Program guidelines. The program was scheduled to take effect this year, but the United States Congress extended the current industrial hemp pilot program authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill through September 30, 2021.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4 - 10 by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires and obtain a debris burn permit for leaf and brush piles. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee is Oct. 15.

Are you looking for a way to get outside and enjoy fall fun with family and friends? A trip to a Tennessee farm this season will bring smiling faces, family entertainment, and unforgettable memories. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, agritourism operators have implemented health measures to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) today announced Coronavirus Agricultural and Forestry Business (CAFB) Fund awards to farm and forestry businesses. TDA established the CAFB Fund with CARES Act resources to help ensure stability of the food supply chain and agribusiness economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.