State Ag and Economic Development Officials to Host "Rural Opportunities Roundtable"

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee departments of Agriculture and Economic and Community Development are hosting a "Rural Opportunities Roundtable" for farmers, landowners, local extension and county leaders in Wayne, Perry, Lewis and Hickman counties. The meeting will take place June 7 at 10 a.m. at Bradley's Restaurant, 126 S. High Street in Waynesboro.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear stakeholder concerns about current agriculture and forestry issues and to explore opportunities for developing the state's rural economy and increasing farm and forest income. The agenda includes a discussion of the Ag Enhancement Program, forest certification, forest products and other topics of interest to area landowners.

Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson and other agriculture and economic development representatives will all be on hand to discuss programs aimed at growing local, rural economies. There will also be time for open discussion by participants.

WHO: State Agriculture and Economic Development Officials

WHAT: Rural Opportunities Roundtable for farmers, forest landowners, extension and county leaders

WHEN: June 7 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Bradley's Restaurant, 126 S. High Street, Waynesboro, Tenn.

For more information, contact TDA agriculture and forestry development director Ed Harlan at ed.harlan@tn.gov or 615-837-5160. For more information about the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture.