Agriculture, logistics and workforce pipeline position McMinnville as a high-volume growth hub
From the State of TN
McMinnville, Tennessee, is a place where growth is not just a seasonal event but a way of life.
Known as the Nursery Capital of the World, this thriving community in Warren County is home to more than 400 growers who ship their products across North America. Beyond its agricultural roots, McMinnville offers a model of how tradition, innovation and scale can work together to drive economic success.
A legacy built on growth
Founded in the early 19th century and named for former Tennessee Gov. Joseph McMinn, the city has long served as the commercial and cultural center of Warren County. Its early development was shaped by agriculture, local trade and its strategic location along transportation routes that connected rural producers to broader markets.
Over time, that foundation evolved into a more specialized economy. For generations, McMinnville’s fertile soil, favorable climate and skilled workforce have made it a hub for nursery production. What began as small family-run operations in the late 1800s and early 1900s steadily expanded into a nationally recognized industry. Today, hundreds of family-owned and commercial nurseries cultivate ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials.
The scale of that success is significant. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture County Profile, Warren County ranked No. 1 among Tennessee’s 95 counties in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod production, accounting for nearly $75 million in sales. This concentration of expertise has created more than an agricultural cluster. It has built a resilient ecosystem of suppliers, logistics providers and skilled labor. In McMinnville, businesses plug into a network designed for efficiency and growth.
From agricultural roots to economic diversification
While agriculture laid the groundwork, McMinnville has continually adapted to a changing economy. Throughout the 20th century, the city expanded its industrial base, adding manufacturing and distribution capabilities that complemented its agricultural strengths. That evolution reflects a broader pattern of steady, intentional development, building on what works while embracing new opportunities.
Today, that same adaptability positions McMinnville as more than an agricultural leader. It is a community that understands how to scale operations, support industry and foster long-term economic resilience.
Experience High Volume in action
Tennessee’s economic development brand, Experience High Volume, reflects the state’s ability to deliver at scale, and McMinnville exemplifies that promise. Here, high volume is measured in acres under cultivation, millions of plants shipped worldwide and generations of knowledge passed down and refined.
The infrastructure that supports large-scale nursery production, including transportation access, distribution expertise and a dependable workforce, also translates to other industries seeking to grow and scale.
The nursery industry’s impact extends far beyond Warren County. According to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, the wholesale nursery sector generates more than $430 million annually in expenditures, payroll and net returns. When growers and retailers are combined, the industry contributes nearly $965 million annually to Tennessee’s economy.
A strategic location for expanding businesses
Located within reach of major Southeast markets, McMinnville provides access without congestion. Its proximity to key interstates, rail lines and regional logistics hubs allows products and businesses to move efficiently.
The region also has a growing base of advanced manufacturing and automotive suppliers that reinforce its business appeal. Global companies such as Bridgestone, with a significant presence nearby, and Yorozu Automotive Tennessee, which operates in McMinnville, highlight the area’s strength in high-volume production and precision manufacturing. These employers demonstrate the region’s ability to attract and sustain world-class operations.
Combined with Tennessee’s pro-business environment and strong workforce pipeline, McMinnville positions companies to scale with confidence.
Rooted in community, ready for the future
What sets McMinnville apart is not just what it produces but how it grows. The collaborative spirit that shaped its early development from a small county seat to a nationally recognized agricultural hub continues to guide its future. Local leaders, educational institutions and industry partners work together to support workforce development, innovation and long-term success.
That commitment is reinforced by strong local training and education resources. TCAT McMinnville provides hands-on, career-focused training aligned with regional industry needs, while Motlow State Community College offers accessible pathways to higher education and workforce advancement. Together, these institutions help ensure a steady pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the demands of both established and emerging industries.
The industry’s continued success also reflects Tennessee’s broader strength in nursery production. In 2022, Tennessee nursery products generated more than $200 million in sales, ranking the state 14th nationally in greenhouse and nursery product market value. Nursery products also contribute approximately $285 million in annual cash receipts to the state economy each year.
As industries evolve, McMinnville remains adaptable, grounded in its heritage yet forward-looking in its approach to growth. Growth in McMinnville is not accidental. It is cultivated, scaled and delivered.
Photo via the State of TN.
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