Share How You Keep Fresh Produce Safe
Nick Waynick, UT/TSU Extension agent for Cheatham County, is calling for your help with a TSU study. This survey is designed to learn about everyday farming practices related to fresh produce and food safety.
LISTEN: Lunch Hour Harvest Webinar Series Recap
A virtual Lunch & Learn series exploring how agriculture, local food, and public health intersect to shape healthier Tennessee communities.
Looking Back at Local Table 2026
Local Table 2026 brought more than 100 guests together to celebrate the farmers behind our food, share a locally sourced meal, and invest in a stronger future for Tennessee farms. Take a look back at an evening rooted in food, farmers, and community.
ORDER: Tree Seedlings from the Division of Forestry Nursery
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s (TDF) East Tennessee Nursery (ETN) will open for tree seedling orders at 9 a.m. ET on Sept. 1, 2026. Orders will be accepted through 5 p.m. ET on March 15, 2027, or while supplies last.
2026 Mid-Year Reflection: What We’re Building Together
Using Livestock to Increase Cover Crop Profitability
ATTRA BLOG: Grazing cover crops can significantly increase both the health of the soil and the chances of making a profit the first year of cover cropping, compared with using cover crops with no livestock grazing.
APPLY: Natural Resources Conservation Service Funds
DEADLINE: August 24th, 2026 USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project proposals to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners boost their operations and conserve natural resources.
HIRING: Community & Operations Coordinator at Nashville Food Cooperative
The Nashville Food Cooperative is seeking its first employee to help build and grow a community-owned local food system in Nashville. This is a flexible, part-time position (approximately 20 hours/week) for someone excited about cooperative development, local food systems, and helping shape a long-term vision for a community-owned grocery cooperative.
USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Soliciting Applications
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is soliciting applications for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) for the fiscal year 2026 funding cycle to support the delivery of education, outreach, and technical assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States.
DEADLINE: TN Local Food Summit’s Call For Proposals
The call for Proposals deadline is on May 22nd for the 2026 TN Local Food Summit. The 16th Annual Tennessee Local Food Summit is heading to Nashville, TN, on December 4–6, and we want YOUR voice on stage. Whether you're a farmer, food system advocate, educator, or community organizer, we're looking for session proposals that advance a resilient and equitable local food network in Tennessee.
Keeping an Eye Out for Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture posted the following notice: It's time to keep an eye out for Spotted lanternfly nymphs in Tennessee! These invasive insects feed on a wide range of plants and can quickly spread if not managed early.
ACS Expands National Partnerships to Advance Sustainable Agriculture
Working alongside partners from across the country, ACS is helping deliver technical expertise and on-the-ground support to farmers implementing practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality, and strengthen long-term farm resilience.
Senate Bill Aims to Strengthen USDA Support for Urban and Innovative Farmers
This bill provides programmatic improvements and resources for the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production to address the growing program demand and equip the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Centers with tools to support the unique needs of urban and innovative operations.
LISTEN: Sustainable Animal Husbandry & Fiber Farming with Bugtussle Farm
Hear from Eric & Cher Smith about their livestock management strategies and the process of creating fiber products in the context of their regenerative, biodynamic, diversified family farm.
Supporting Farmers After Winter Storm Fern: The Impact of the Farmer Relief Fund
When Winter Storm Fern caused historic damage across Middle Tennessee earlier this year, farmers faced costly repairs just as the busy spring season was beginning. TN Local Food’s Farmer Relief Fund quickly stepped in to provide support. Thanks to the generosity of Farmers Friend, LLC and Farm Aid, we were able to help farmers recover and return to the essential work of feeding our communities.
House Farm Bill Update
In February, the House Agriculture Committee introduced their draft of the next Farm Bill, which Young Farmers opposed for failing to prioritize equitable farmland access, to invest in critical nutrition and local food programs, or to provide climate action tools for farmers.
‘Pick TN Products’ Connect Consumers with Local Producers
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announces the launch of an updated Pick Tennessee Products website, offering a more streamlined way for consumers to connect with local farmers, producers and artisans across the state.
Accessing Cold Damage to Fruit Buds
With temperatures expected to dip below freezing and with buds of many fruit crops either being open, Dave Lockwood is here to answers your questions about possible bud damage.
Organic Market Report Shows Strong Growth
The 2026 Organic Market Report released by the Organic Trade Association shows that U.S. sales of certified organic products accelerated in 2025, reaching $76.6 billion with an annual growth rate of 6.8%.
We’re Hiring!
TN Local Food is seeking a Part-Time Marketing & Communications Coordinator to support outreach for ongoing programs. This role focuses on content creation, social media management, newsletters, and event communications. The position is remote but requires residence in Middle Tennessee with occasional in-person event coverage in the Nashville-area. Experience with social media platforms, Mailchimp, and Canva is required. Experience or interest in the agricultural/food systems space is a bonus. Interested? We’d love to hear from you!