Department of Agriculture
Ken Givens, Commissioner

Tennessee’s Boll Weevil Eradication Program (BWEP) is part of a nationwide effort to rid the cotton belt of the most costly insect in the history of American agriculture.  The boll weevil first appeared in the United States in 1892, and by 1950 it was estimated to have cost U. S. cotton producers $10 billion. 

BWEP has increased cotton yields while reducing cotton insecticide use by 40 - 90%.  The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is proud to serve an role in what has been called one of the most successful industry/government partnerships in history.

Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Who to Contact
• Reducing Exposure to Malathion
• Find Your Region