TN.gov Newsroom

The Tennessee Viticulture Advisory Board will meet April 13 at 1 p.m. CDT in the Executive Conference of the State Capitol Building in Nashville. The agenda includes a discussion of the vacant board position representing commercial grape growing, a presentation by the Department of Revenue on shipping rules for Tennessee wineries, a discussion of legislative activities and other business as presented. 

Gayle Tanner of Bonnie Blue Farm in Wayne County, TN

This week, Tennesseans are taking time out to thank farmers for our food and many other commodities we use and enjoy every day. In celebration of National Ag Day, Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed March 20th as Ag Day in Tennessee.

“As one of the top industries in Tennessee, agriculture is truly something to be celebrated,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “Tennesseans can thank their local farmers and agribusinesses for what they contribute not only to the local economy and the nation but to our quality of life.”

The State Soil Conservation Committee will meet March 31 at 10 a.m. CDT in the rear conference room of the Holeman Building at Ellington Agricultural Center, located at 440 Hogan Road in Nashville. The agenda includes a review of soil conservation district boards and activities, a report on the Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund, reports from state and federal agricultural agencies, a review of legislative issues and other business as presented.

BurnSafeTN.org

Nashville – Visible signs of spring are beginning to emerge as warm temperatures and sunny skies push back the doldrums from what has been one of the coldest winters on record. As Tennesseans begin to take advantage of this weather to do some yard work around the home or farm, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry wants to remind folks that if they are considering conducting an open burn, a burn permit is required in advance of such activity.

TDA's Jim Nance (center) receives TACD Distinquished Service Award

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts recently bestowed its 2010 Distinguished Service Award to longtime Tennessee Department of Agriculture employee Jim Nance. As an environmental assistance project manager, Nance has spent more than 20 years managing farm programs that provide cost share assistance to Tennessee landowners, allowing them to install Best Management Practices on their farms.