NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Representative Greg Vital, R-Harrison, recently hosted Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt in District 29 as part of the department’s Tennessee Roots Farm Tour, underscoring the vital role agriculture plays in Hamilton County and across the state.
Commissioner Holt visited farmers at Vital Buffalo Farm and Aubie Smith Farms in Hamilton County to discuss farmland preservation, agricultural production and the significant economic impact of farming in Tennessee. Hamilton County plays a key role in the region’s agricultural production, with strong representation in livestock production and specialty farming.
“No farms mean no food,” said Vital. “I was proud to showcase the strength of agriculture in Hamilton County and ensure local voices are heard at the state level. Agriculture is not just part of Tennessee’s history; it is central to our economic future. When we support farmers, forest landowners and agribusinesses, we are supporting jobs, families and communities across our entire state.”
As part of a new, statewide commitment to promote how agriculture is a cornerstone of both the state’s economy and rural heritage, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture introduced the Tennessee Roots Farm Tour. The tour focuses on strengthening relationships between state leadership and the agricultural community by meeting directly with local farmers from various counties across the state to identify opportunities to support working lands, conservation efforts and long-term sustainability.
Agriculture is Tennessee’s number one industry, contributing more than $81 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting more than 324,000 jobs, according to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Tennessee is home to more than 69,000 farms, 98% of which are family farms, which covers approximately 10.8 million acres and makes up 41% of the state.
State Rep. Greg Vital represents District 29, which includes parts of Hamilton County. Rep. Vital serves on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Commerce and Transportation Committee, as well as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.
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