About Pick Tennessee Products

For Tennessee Farmers

How the Market Development Division Serves Tennessee's Agricultural Industry

Market Development Division (MDD) is the agricultural industry development and marketing arm of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.  It is TDA’s primary means to work with farmers, agribusinesses, commodity organizations and consumers.  The current needs and priorities of clients served directly influences tasks and programs.

MDD works closely with partners which include the Department of Economic and Community Development, the UT Institute of Agriculture, the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture, federal agencies and commodity groups.  Programs reflect the diversity of Tennessee agriculture and the multi-level, changing marketplace.

Market Development works closely with non-traditional and emerging agricultural industries.  MDD prioritizes activities to ensure work is focused where it can make a difference.  Work plans are carefully structured to complement work of other agencies and to avoid overlap.  MDD clearly communicates its mission, work plans, needs and accomplishments within the department, state government and the agricultural community.

Market Development works to:

  • Increase Tennessee’s farm and agribusiness development income
  • Create markets for Tennessee farm products
  • Create jobs for rural Tennessee
  • Connect buyers and sellers
  • Dispense product information to public; public liaison
  • Expand and improve rural economics
  • Communications arm for TDA to  farmers, commodity groups, agribusinesses and the consumer
  • Increase public understanding and appreciation of state’s agriculture industry

Marketing Tools and Techniques include trade shows; trade missions; reverse trade missions; “Pick Tennessee Products” Web site at www.picktnproducts.org; direct sales contacts; media activities and promotions; regular press releases and seasonal features; compilation of directories of producers; support of commodity group activities; agri-industry recruitment; expansion of existing businesses; one on one counseling; partnership with other agencies (UT, USDA, others).

Marketing Programs

Agribusiness Development

Market Development works to increase producer income and jobs throughout Tennessee by recruiting, expanding and developing the state’s agriculture and forestry industry.  Our partners in this effort include Economic and Community Development, USDA Rural Development and local government economic development offices.

International Marketing

About 25 percent of an average farmer’s cash receipts come from a foreign buyer.  Our staff works to increase farm and agribusiness development income and related jobs by helping Tennessee agriculture and forest product producers sell their products in global markets.  We work collectively with other states through the Southern U.S. Trade Association to expand export markets.

Domestic Marketing

Effective marketing efforts and promotions nationwide help Tennessee farmers and agribusinesses increase profits.  Domestic marketing staff helps farms develop markets for non-traditional and value-added farm products.  Key programs include value added foods, livestock and livestock grading, equine, horticulture, organics, aquaculture, fruits and vegetables, agri-tourism and wine and grape production.

Agricultural Development Fund

This unique fund, built with dollars from the sales of  “Ag Tag” vehicle license plates, generates about $300,000 each year.  These dollars are returned to the agriculture community though grants to youth education groups (4-H, FFA, Ag in the Classroom) and through grants for market development and agriculture and forestry awareness activities.  “Ag Tag” grants support ideas and projects which spur farm income.

Market News Service

This cooperative USDA/TDA program includes livestock graders who collect market news information across the state.  A federal market news reporter consolidates the information.  This data is disseminated statewide to print and broadcast media.  A toll-free line, 1-800-342-8206, receives about 90,000 calls each year from producers and others. 

Fruit and Vegetable Inspection

Another cooperative program between the USDA and TDA provides for the inspection of fresh fruit and vegetables received by Tennessee wholesale distributors.  Inspection activities ensure the smooth functioning if the marketplace and high quality produce for Tennessee consumers.  The program supports itself through user fees.

Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions

TDA’s fair program supports 85 county and regional agricultural fairs and livestock shows.  Three million visitors attend these events; 149,000 exhibitors invest their time and resources to make fairs educational and fun for their communities.

Oscar Farris Tennessee Agricultural Museum

The museum creates displays, presents artifacts and conducts education programs illustrating the past, present and future of Tennessee agriculture.  More than 20,000 visitors attended programs at the museum in fiscal year 2001-02.

Market Development Division
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 40627
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
(615) 837-5160
(615) 837-5194 (Fax)
(615) 837-5555 (Automated Publications Request Line)
1-800-342-8206 (Market News Toll Free Information)
254-0787 Nashville area