Tennessee's Century Farms Celebrated for Agricultural Heritage and Economic Impact
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, alongside the Tennessee Agricultural Museum and the Center for Historic Preservation, recently celebrated the state's Century Farms program. This initiative honors farms that have been in continuous operation and family ownership for over 100 years. The event, held on June 2, also marked the launch of Dr. Carroll Van West's book, 'Tennessee’s Frontier Century Farms: An Enduring Legacy of Family, Farming, and Community.' Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt highlighted the significance of these farms, noting their role in Tennessee's top industry and their contribution to the state's history and economy. Established in 1975, the program now includes over 2,300 farms across all 95 counties in Tennessee, emphasizing the importance of preserving agricultural heritage.