TN.gov Newsroom

Chattanooga – Recognizing the importance of trees to Tennessee, Governor Phil Bredesen recently signed a proclamation declaring March 5, 2010, as Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. This year’s state celebration will be held in Chattanooga, a Tree City USA community.

 

"Arbor Day reminds us to be good stewards to the environment that provides us with many resources and a picturesque landscape." said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “Our Division of Forestry is continuously working to help landowners and communities include trees in their land management plans.”

NASHVILLE - For those who try to eat fresh, local and seasonal foods whenever possible, winter is the most trying time of year. Fortunately, some sure signs of spring are showing up in farmers markets and on CSAs—“community supported agriculture” farms. Early crops like cabbage, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onions, peas, broccoli and all manner of greens are the first guests for a feast that will last through fall.

 

Along with spinach, lettuces and other early veggies that will be abundant while the weather remains mild, eggs are also most abundant in spring. After laying few if any eggs during the dark winter months, increasing hours of sunlight jumpstart the egg-producing process, and for several months chickens will lay eggs every 24 hours. Many CSAs can include egg, dairy and even meat products along with the produce they offer.

 

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today met with members of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association to recognize the organization’s 25^th anniversary and the importance of cattle production to the state’s rural economy.

 

At the meeting, TCA president Steve Scott of Giles County presented Bredesen with a custom made cowboy hat in recognition of his support for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. 

NASHVILLE - Tennessee is joining the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) in recognizing National Weights & Measures Week, March 1-7, to remind consumers and businesses of the importance of equity in the marketplace. For more than 100 years, Tennessee's Department of Agriculture has ensured that all products sold by weight, measure or count are labeled accurately and correctly.

 

This year’s theme is Weights and Measures: Keeping Pace for the Future. Weights and measures inspectors are keeping pace with rapidly advancing technologies to ensure fairness in the marketplace. Their service to consumers and industry plays an essential role in our economic recovery by protecting buyers and sellers in virtually all sales of goods in the United States.

NASHVILLE – State agencies and non-profits today solidified their commitment to preserving the state’s farmland by forming the Tennessee Farmland Legacy Partnership. The partnership will serve as an authoritative resource for both farm level and community planning that promotes the preservation and viability of working farms in Tennessee.

 

“I am pleased to see so many agencies and other groups committing to protecting Tennessee’s farms from development,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Agriculture is an important part of our state’s economy. Healthy, productive farmland provides balance in our communities and contributes to our environment, scenic beauty and quality of life.”

NASHVILLE – State agencies and non-profits will be signing a memorandum of agreement forming the Tennessee Farmland Legacy Partnership on Tuesday, February 16 at the Old Supreme Court Chambers. The Tennessee Farmland Legacy Partnership will serve as an authoritative resource, providing information and assistance and to encouraging both farm level and community planning that promotes the preservation and viability of working farms in Tennessee. 

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen has requested a federal designation of natural disaster for agriculture for seven additional counties in Tennessee as a result of excessive rain and flooding that occurred in September and October.

 

“A disaster designation will help make federal assistance available to farmers who experienced significant crop losses due to heavy rains and flooding this past fall,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased that USDA has responded to my earlier requests for other counties, and we want to ensure that farmers in these areas are included.”

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved his request for federal farm assistance for five additional Tennessee counties due to excessive rain and flooding that occurred in September and October.