As one of Tennessee 4-H’s longest partnerships and most prominent supporters, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and 4-H have a great relationship. Through the Tennessee Ag Tag license plate fund and money appropriated by the Governor and the state legislature, TDA contributes $315,000 annually to 4-H.
The Department of Agriculture’s mission is to serve, support and promote agriculture and forestry. The department offers a variety of programs to ensure those industries remain the top industries in Tennessee. Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., recognizes the importance of 4-H and its long-standing impact on youth.
“4-H has an impressive legacy of developing leaders who excel in agriculture and in life,” Hatcher says. “We are proud to support Tennessee’s 4-H’ers and contribute to that success now and into the future.”
TDA is headquartered at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville and comprises six divisions – Administration and Grants, Forestry, Consumer and Industry Services, Animal Health, Technical Services, and Business Development.
See more: Meet Corinne Gould, 4-H Alumni and Friends President
The Administration and Grants Division includes budget, human resources, legal, public affairs, the agricultural crime unit, the commodities food program, and land and water stewardship.
The Division of Forestry is responsible for the protection, sustainability and productivity of TDA forest resources. Tennessee has approximately 14 million acres of forestland, which is about half of the state’s land area.
The Consumer and Industry Services Division is responsible for ensuring the safety of our food supply, from the farm to the dinner plate. Anything sold by weight, length or volume is also regulated by the department to ensure fairness in the marketplace for consumers and businesses.
The Animal Health Division is responsible for protecting the health of livestock and other animals. The state veterinarian does this by overseeing requirements for disease testing and surveillance, the movement of livestock and other animals, and by imposing quarantines when there is an animal disease outbreak.
The work of both Consumer and Industry Services and Animal Health is supported by Technical Services’ laboratories, which specialize in chemical, biological, and toxicology testing, and animal necropsy.
See more: Partner Spotlight: Farm Credit Mid-America
The Business Development Division promotes the sales of farm, forest, and food products domestically and internationally. The division has a team of business consultants who provide technical, financial, and marketing assistance to agribusinesses and value-added farms.
One of TDA’s key priorities is to strengthen education opportunities for Tennessee’s youth – particularly in agriculture and forestry.
“We recognize the value that 4-H holds for kids who have the desire to learn,” Hatcher added. “When it comes to ‘making the best better,’ TDA is honored to play a role.”