TN.gov Newsroom

The first day of spring, March 20, is National Agriculture Day and Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed "Agriculture Day" in Tennessee as well. And, to keep our state's citizens reminded about the importance of agriculture in our state and "spring fresh" on the minds of our Tennessee lawmakers, the General Assembly will celebrate "Ag Day On The Hill" on April 14 with agriculturally conducted festivities to be held at the Plaza on that day.

NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Viticulture Advisory Board will meet March 24 at 10 a.m. CDT at the DelMonaco Winery, located at 600 Lance Drive in Baxter, Tenn., about 10 miles west of Cookeville. The agenda includes a review of legislative issues, the biennial viticulture report and other business as presented. The meeting is open to the public. Individuals interested in addressing the board should plan to arrive prior to the start of the meeting in order to be placed on the agenda.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts has awarded the 2009 Tennessee Distinguished Service Award to Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. Commissioner Givens received the honor at the 65th annual TACD Convention in Johnson City held Feb. 28-March 3, 2009.

NASHVILLE – Chances are, this is not going to be the year you put in a pool … or re-do the kitchen … or paint the house. In the spirit of the times, how does one spruce up one’s home in a fiscally responsible, yet hopeful way?

“Nothing brings more fresh color, appeal and good feelings to a homescape than flowers in bloom,” says Robert Beets, horticultural marketing specialist with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

NASHVILLE – Recognizing the importance of trees to Tennessee, Governor Phil Bredesen recently signed a proclamation declaring March 6, 2009, 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 Bristol, Tenn., a Tree City USA community.

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.

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Giles and Macon counties as natural disaster areas for agriculture due to drought conditions in 2008.

NASHVILLE - The State Soil Conservation Committee will meet March 1 at 5:30 pm. EST at the Holiday Inn, located at 101 W Springbrook Drive in Johnson City, Tenn. 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.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Forestry Commission will meet Feb. 24 at 8:30 a.m. CST in the Bruer Building at Ellington Agricultural Center, located at 440 Hogan Road in Nashville, Tenn.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Agriculture biofuels administrator Randy Jennings on Monday received the National Biodiesel Board’s Industry Partnership award. Jennings, along with Ronald Hayes from the state of Missouri, received the award at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo.