Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0080 - Department of Agriculture
Overview: Tennessee Title 0080 – Department of Agriculture
Title 0080 of the Tennessee Administrative Code contains the rules and regulations promulgated by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). The department oversees a wide range of agricultural activities, including food safety, animal health, plant health, pesticide regulation, and consumer protection related to agricultural products.
The department’s regulations aim to:
Protect public health and safety
Ensure the integrity of agricultural commerce
Support sustainable farming practices
Enforce laws related to pesticides, fertilizers, and animal welfare
Key Regulatory Areas in Title 0080
1. Plant Industry and Pest Control
Rules:
Regulation of the use and sale of pesticides and herbicides.
Licensing and certification requirements for pesticide applicators.
Enforcement of quarantine measures to prevent the spread of invasive species and plant diseases.
Registration and inspection of nurseries and greenhouses.
Case Law:
Tennessee Agribusiness Assoc. v. Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture (2006 Tenn. App.)
This case involved a challenge to stricter pesticide application rules. The court upheld the Department’s authority to regulate pesticide use under the state’s agriculture code, emphasizing the agency’s duty to protect public health and the environment.
2. Food Safety and Inspection
Rules:
Inspection and regulation of meat processing plants, dairy farms, and food handlers.
Standards for the labeling, packaging, and sale of food products.
Requirements for sanitary conditions in food production and processing.
Case Law:
Smith v. Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture (2011 Tenn. Chancery Court)
Smith challenged a suspension of his meat processing license for alleged sanitation violations. The court ruled in favor of the Department, noting the Department’s broad discretion to enforce food safety standards and the importance of protecting consumer health.
3. Animal Health and Welfare
Rules:
Control and eradication of livestock diseases (e.g., brucellosis, tuberculosis).
Licensing and inspection of livestock markets and dealers.
Regulations regarding humane treatment and transport of animals.
Case Law:
Jones v. Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture (2014 Tenn. App.)
Jones disputed a quarantine order on his farm due to suspected livestock disease. The court upheld the Department’s authority to impose quarantines under its disease control regulations, highlighting the necessity to prevent disease spread.
4. Weights and Measures
Rules:
Regulation of commercial weighing and measuring devices.
Licensing of service companies and inspectors.
Inspection and testing to ensure accuracy in trade.
Case Law:
Commercial Scale Co. v. Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture (2008 Tenn. App.)
The company challenged penalties imposed for using inaccurate scales. The court affirmed the Department’s enforcement actions, recognizing the need to maintain consumer confidence in commercial transactions.
5. Fertilizer and Seed Regulation
Rules:
Registration and labeling requirements for fertilizers and seeds.
Inspection and sampling to ensure product quality.
Licensing for distributors and dealers.
Case Law:
Green Farms, Inc. v. Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture (2010 Tenn. App.)
Green Farms contested a stop-sale order on fertilizer products. The court sided with the Department, confirming its authority to regulate agricultural inputs to protect farmers and the environment.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture can issue fines, suspend or revoke licenses, and order product recalls.
Enforcement actions follow administrative procedures, including notices, hearings, and appeals.
Courts generally defer to the Department’s expertise, provided regulations are reasonable and due process is observed.
Summary
Title 0080 empowers the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to regulate critical aspects of agriculture, from pesticides and food safety to animal health and weights and measures.
The Department’s regulations are designed to protect public health, ensure fair commerce, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Courts have consistently upheld the Department’s regulatory authority when exercised in accordance with statutory authority and administrative fairness.
Compliance with licensing, inspection, and reporting requirements is essential for individuals and businesses engaged in agricultural activities in Tennessee.
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