Bredesen Holds Swearing-in Ceremony for Terry J. Oliver as Commissioner of Agriculture

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today swore in Terry J. Oliver as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture in a ceremony at the State Capitol. Oliver, who officially assumed his new duties on August 16, was previously deputy commissioner of the agency.

 

Oliver was joined by family, friends, department employees and others representing the agricultural community. Bredesen spoke of the experience and leadership Oliver brings to his new role and of the tremendous impact the Department of Agriculture has on the quality of life for all Tennesseans.

 

“Probably more than anything, Terry has been a great ambassador for agriculture,” Bredesen said. “Because of his sincere and practical approach to issues, he has been responsible for forging important relationships with key stakeholders such as the Farm Bureau, USDA, state universities, commodity groups and many other organizations. He is a proven leader.”

 

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides a variety of consumer protection services, promotes farm products and encourages the sustainable management of forest and farmland resources. Farming and forestry not only preserve a time-honored way of life, but they also fuel the state's economy. Agricultural production generates more than $3.1 billion annually in farm cash receipts and another $329 million generated by timber sales.

 

A West Tennessee farmer and businessman, Oliver has nearly 20 years of public service and experience in state government. Oliver has led efforts to improve the effectiveness of the Division of Forestry and also played a significant role in the development and implementation of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, a cost share program established by Bredesen to spur farm innovation and agricultural development in Tennessee.

 

A native of Gleason, Tenn., Oliver holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is a member of the advisory council for the Governor’s School of Agriculture Sciences at UT Martin – one of only three enrichment programs in the nation for high school agriculture students. He is also a former member of the USDA Farm Services Agency state committee. A sixth-generation farmer, Oliver and his wife Marsha reside on their family farm in Gleason and have two daughters and three grandchildren.

 

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