State, Federal Officials to Announce Agri-Tech Entrepreneurship Initiative

NASHVILLE— On Aug. 20, state and federal agricultural officials will announce seed funding commitments and plans to help identify entrepreneurs and develop investable agri-tech companies in Tennessee. 

Agricultural innovation utilizes new technologies, tools and approaches to improve efficiency and diversify product offerings. Ultimately, improvements in those areas will increase farmer profitability and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production, while providing for the food, fuel and fiber needs of a growing world population.  

State and federal officials including U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher, USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Lillian Salerno and Tennessee State Director Bobby Goode, Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson, Memphis Bioworks Foundation president and executive director Steve Bares, legislative leaders and local agricultural entrepreneurs will be available for interviews.

Visuals will include demonstrations from agri-tech startup companies AgSmarts, Granular and FarmSpace.

WHO:        Local, state and federal officials and industry leaders representing:
                   USDA Rural Development
                   Tennessee Department of Agriculture
                   Memphis Bioworks Foundation
                   Agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and investors
WHAT:      Initial funding commitments and plans for rural entrepreneurship initiative
WHEN:     Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. central
WHERE:    Mid-South Family Farms Office
                   139 N. Main Street
                   Ripley, TN  38063