NASHVILLE — The 2026–2027 Tennessee state budget allocates new and recurring funding for agricultural programs, staffing, and infrastructure under the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The budget maintains ongoing support for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, the Agricultural Enterprise Fund, and departmental programs that serve farmers, forest landowners, and consumers statewide.

New funding includes $1 million for the Representative Johnny Shaw Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative and $500,000 for Cul2vate. It also provides $250,000 in non-recurring funding for Urban Roots of Tennessee to expand agricultural outreach in both rural and urban communities, and $1.5 million in non-recurring funding for the Tennessee Association of Fairs.

The budget funds nine new Consumer and Industry Services inspector positions to strengthen regulatory oversight and support agricultural market integrity. It also adds nine new Forestry positions to establish a Wildfire Resiliency Team aimed at protecting forest resources, property, and public safety.

Capital investments are included for a Division of Forestry cooler in East Tennessee and for improvements to the Porter Building and the L.H. “Cotton” Ivy Laboratory at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville.

“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.” Holt added. “Agriculture and forestry contribute $103.8 billion annually to our state’s economy and remain our top industry, making these investments important to the future of our rural communities and the state as a whole.”

The Tennessee General Assembly also passed voluntary truth-in-labeling legislation allowing producers to certify that meat marketed as Tennessee-sourced comes from livestock raised in Tennessee. The measure is designed to provide added transparency and increase consumer confidence.