Agriculture, Dept. of - As enacted, enacts the "Representative Johnny Shaw Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative." - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 43.

SB 1645 creates the "Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative" under the state Department of Agriculture. It requires the department to partner with private nonprofits to develop digital tools, workforce training, and marketing programs connecting Tennessee farmers, students, rural communities, and consumers. Key provisions include prioritizing benefits for state farmers and small businesses, expanding access to agricultural education and e-commerce marketplaces, and mandating annual evaluations measuring farmer participation, economic impact, and taxpayer return. The initiative focuses on modernizing agriculture through technology, workforce development, and statewide collaboration without restricting competition for state contracts.