Holt Appointed Assistant Commissioner for Business Development at Tennessee Department of Agriculture

May 09, 2022


In April, it was announced that Andy Holt had been appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Business Development Division at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and special advisor to the Commissioner.
“Since joining the department more than a year ago, Andy has proven himself as an advocate for Tennessee agriculture and forestry and an integral member of our staff,” said Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “No matter the initiative, Andy shows up with thoughtful perspective, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm to get the job done. Governor Lee and I are dedicated to supporting and enhancing Tennessee’s economy—particularly in the state’s rural areas. Andy’s experience and leadership will strengthen those efforts.”
Holt previously served as Director of the Business Development Division. The division administers several of the department’s best-known programs, including the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, the Agricultural Enterprise Fund, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Livestock Market News and Statistics, and Pick Tennessee Products. As Assistant Commissioner, he will lead division staff in maximizing efforts to increase profitability and viability of farm and forest businesses.
For the last 11 years, Holt has taught business, government, and economics as an adjunct instructor at Bethel University in McKenzie. Before joining the department, he served for five terms in the Tennessee General Assembly as the State Representative for House District 76 which includes Weakley County and portions of Carroll and Obion Counties. His prior career experience also includes Weakley County Farmers Co-op and Farm Credit Services. He and his wife, Ellie, are parents to seven young children and operate Holt Family Farms, an agritourism and diversified livestock operation near Dresden.
“As a result of my experience with 4-H, I chose to pursue a career in agriculture at an early age,” Holt said. “My hope is that by strengthening our agriculture and forestry economy, we can create attractive opportunities and encourage investments in Tennessee. If we balance our pursuit of new agriculture and forestry investments while also supporting our legacy farmers and foresters, I am certain that we will continue the monumental success that we have seen in recent years.”
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