The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is announcing a new structure for its division dedicated to supporting new and expanding agricultural and forestry businesses.
The renamed Business Development Division will prioritize agricultural economic development by increasing profitability and viability of farm and forest businesses, which are vital to Tennessee’s rural and overall economy.
Keith Harrison will lead the division as Assistant Commissioner. Harrison began his career at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist in 1984 and served as Director of Marketing until the end of 2000. Harrison has served as agency’s Assistant Commissioner for Consumer and Industry Services, leading the regulatory programs affecting consumer protection and food safety until early 2019, when he shifted to leadership of the Business Development Division.
Focus areas will include international marketing, farm-direct marketing, and industry development. The division will also look to strengthen Tennessee’s agriculture industry through cost-share programs, such as the Agriculture Enterprise Fund and Specialty Crop Block Grants. The division will provide strategic direction and outreach for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program.
The division will also have a new Food Products Business Consultant. Mike Brown has been with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture since 2014, originally serving as Outreach Coordinator in the Consumer and Industry Services Division. As a business consultant, he is a resource for new and expanding food manufacturers by developing marketing opportunities. Brown has 36 years of experience in the food industry, and prior to joining the department, he worked as a food marketing and product development consultant.
Staff members in the Business Development Division will work to increase agricultural commodity processing and production capacity in the state to accommodate the growing demand and opportunity for direct and retail sales through incentives for upgrading and expanding facilities.