Andy Holt is Tennessee’s New Commissioner of Agriculture

NASHVILLE — Beginning October 1, Andy Holt will become Tennessee’s first, first-generation farmer to serve as the Commissioner of Agriculture at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). Holt replaces Dr. Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., who retired after nearly seven years of service as commissioner and more than 21 years of state service. Governor Bill Lee announced the leadership change in a press release September 3.
Holt, a former member of the Tennessee General Assembly, is a self-made farmer. His interest in agriculture sprouted when he was in the fourth grade, growing with his involvement in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Holt and his wife, Ellie, began farming together. Their farm, Holt Family Farms, has since become an oft-visited destination in West Tennessee for locally-grown pork, a fall pumpkin patch and a spring tulip festival.
Holt began his service at the TDA in 2021 as the Director of Business Development. He moved up in ranks, becoming the Assistant Commissioner for Business Development for a few years. In January 2025, Holt became the Deputy Commissioner of the TDA.
In his time at the TDA, Holt has worked to build international relationships in the agriculture sector, contributed to the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, guided legislative initiatives and regulatory protections and more.
Holt succeeds Hatcher, who was sworn in as Tennessee’s 38th Commissioner of Agriculture in January 2019. During Hatcher’s tenure, he made record investments to strengthen food and fiber supply chains, expand rural businesses, conserve natural resources and create rural jobs while supporting nearly 70,000 farming families.
Holt enters his new role as Commissioner with expansive knowledge of the economic struggles today’s farmers face. While he aims to lead similarly to past commissioners, he also intends to push Tennessee to open new market opportunities internationally.
“Agriculture is by far the largest and, in my opinion, the most important industry in the state of Tennessee. It provides more jobs and provides more economic output than any other industry. My goal is to not only protect that and to preserve that, but it is to grow that,” Holt said.
In 2024, agriculture was by far Tennessee’s most profitable industry, bringing in $103 billion worth of economic output.
“Andy is a committed public servant who brings a personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Tennessee farmers,” said Governor Lee. “I’m grateful for his leadership and am confident he will serve Tennesseans with integrity by strengthening rural communities and supporting our agriculture industry.”
Holt thanked Governor Lee for selecting him for the role and praised his contributions to the agriculture business.
“I think Governor Lee is really, without question, the most pro-agriculture governor in the United States. He has demonstrated that not only with his words but with the budgetary priority he’s placed on agriculture…He’s not only a friend, not only a mentor, but he’s honestly an inspiration to me,” said Holt.
Prior to joining TDA, Holt represented House District 76 in the Tennessee General Assembly for ten years. Holt lives with his wife and their seven children on the family farm near Dresden, Tennessee.