Budget adds AG funding, forestry positions and facility upgrades
(UCBJ) – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly approved major agriculture investments as part of the state’s 2026–2027 budget. The budget includes recurring funding for agricultural innovation, education, and food access, including $1 million for the Representative Johnny Shaw Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative and $500,000 for Cul2vate.
Lawmakers also maintained annual support for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, the Agricultural Enterprise Fund, and multiple departmental programs and staffing initiatives that serve farmers, forest landowners and consumers across the state.
Additional non-recurring investments include $1.5 million for the Tennessee Association of Fairs and $250,000 for Urban Roots of Tennessee to expand agricultural outreach efforts in rural and urban communities.
“This budget reflects Tennessee’s strong commitment to agriculture and the families and communities these industries support every day,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “From grants and marketing opportunities to expanded services and food access initiatives, these investments support producers and help the department serve more Tennesseans more effectively.”
According to TDA, agriculture and forestry contribute $103.8 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy.
The budget also funds nine new Consumer and Industry Services inspector positions and nine new Forestry positions. State officials say the forestry funding will establish a Wildfire Resiliency Team focused on protecting forest resources, property and public safety.
Additional capital investments include a Division of Forestry cooler in East Tennessee and upgrades to the Porter Building and the L.H. “Cotton” Ivy Laboratory at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville.
TDA also praised passage of voluntary truth-in-labeling legislation allowing producers to certify that meat products marketed as Tennessee-sourced come from livestock raised in Tennessee.
Officials say the measure is intended to increase transparency and consumer confidence.
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