Tennessee Department of Agriculture

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides services related to food safety, milk processing, motor fuels, pesticide-use, weights and measures, feed, seed and fertilizer, and animal and plant health; builds markets for Tennessee farm products and recruits agribusinesses; encourages conservation of soil and water resources; and provides wildfire suppression services, manages state-owned forests and promotes healthy forest practices. Presenters: Julius Johnson, Commissioner Jai Templeton, Deputy Commissioner Larry Maxwell, Assistant Commissioner

Media relations contact information: Tom Womack, Public Affairs, O: 615-837-5118, C: 615-419-8636 Heather Orne, Public Affairs, O: 615-837-5206, C: 615-973-9767 Budget summary: Actual 2011-2012 Employees: Full-time Part-time/Seasonal Funding: State Federal Other Total 635 220 Estimated 2012-2013 625 209 $ 68,264,100 11,119,700 10,138,500 89,522,300 Improvements Total 2013-2014 2013-2014 Recommendation 0 0 0 0 0 0 625 209 $68,204,100 11,078,700 10,080,100 89,362,900

$65,044,200 17,090,600 8,954,400 91,089,200

Department or Customer-Focused Government Initiatives TDAs proposed budget reflects conservative fiscal management with a priority on core services affecting agricultural development, public health, safety and welfare. The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program continues to be a key component of the departments efforts to increase farm profitability and viability. TDA has worked effectively with other agencies to streamline regulatory processes and to better coordinate rural economic development strategies. .