TN HB1536

Creates the Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative, administered by the Department of Agriculture, to support agricultural education, digital workforce training, marketplace access for farmers, and youth engagement in agriculture careers.

Authorizes the department to contract with private, nonprofit, or academic partners, with preference given to those with demonstrated experience in agriculture-focused media platforms, streaming content, online educational tools, and producer-driven marketplace solutions already deployed in Tennessee.

Protects private partners' intellectual property rights, ensuring all software, trademarks, content libraries, and creative materials remain their exclusive property, with no state ownership or editorial control over partner-produced content.

Expresses legislative intent for a recurring annual appropriation of $2,000,000 to fund partner contracts, outreach, technology integration, program administration, and evaluation, with encouragement to pursue matching private, federal, and philanthropic contributions.

Requires annual independent evaluation by the Comptroller of the Treasury assessing participating farmers, workforce outcomes, audience engagement, marketplace revenue, and taxpayer return on investment, with results submitted to the governor and legislative leadership and posted publicly. Effective July 1, 2026.