NASHVILLE — “Phoning it in” is not necessarily a bad thing, at least when it comes to putting local foods on the table.

“Not everybody can be a farmer, but everybody can find farms, farmers markets and pick-your-own patches nearby,” says Pamela Bartholomew, agritourism coordinator with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “Smart phone scanners make finding fresh, local foods so easy, you can literally phone it in!”

Savvy cell phone users can now point their phone cameras at a “QR,” or “quick response” code, and launch an application that takes them straight to the Pick Tennessee Products website. Once the code has done its job, shoppers can instantly access directories for local farmers markets, CSA (community supported agriculture) farms, and pick your own patches and orchards. The website features fruits, vegetables and other local and artisan products during the seasons they’re available in Tennessee.

“The key to eating local is being aware that every fruit and vegetable has its own right time for growth and harvest,” says Bartholomew. “The modern grocery store creates the illusion that all foods are available all the time, all year round. If you want to eat local, you need to know there’s no point looking for fresh Tennessee green beans in January.

“Green beans are typically available just about everywhere in Tennessee in July. Watermelons? July, if you’re lucky, but August, for sure. Sweet potatoes? October. Some crops, called ‘cool weather’ crops, actually get two seasons in Tennessee, which are spring and fall. Right now, all sorts of cool weather crops like cabbage, lettuces, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas, onions and potatoes are becoming plentiful.”

“The website’s new ‘growing seasons’ chart is our most comprehensive ever,” says Bartholomew. To see the chart, visitwww.picktnproducts.org, click on “Food,” and then go to “Fruits and Vegetables.” From there, click on “Growing Seasons.”

The Pick Tennessee Products site also offers a collection of seasonal recipes made with Tennessee grown and processed foods. The latest recipe, “Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw,” features fresh local cabbage, which is available now.

Pick Tennessee Products is the statewide campaign developed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to help consumers find Tennessee farms, farm products and foods processed in Tennessee. More than 1,600 farmers and about 7,000 products, services and events are currently listed at the site.

Visit www.picktnproducts.org to find local farms, farmers markets, farm-direct products, recipes and other artisan and processed foods. Follow Pick Tennessee Products on Facebook and Twitter.

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Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw

Yield: 10 servings
1 head fresh shredded cabbage or 1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, cheese, and bacon. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Gently toss over the coleslaw mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Franchise and Excise Tax, Individual Income Tax, and Gift Tax Return Filers
Have Until April 17, 2012 to File and Pay

Nashville - Taxpayers who normally file their individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, or gift tax returns by April 15 have a few extra days to file and remit their payments to the Department of Revenue.

Legislation enacted in 2011 permits the due date of individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, and gift tax returns to be extended when the due date falls on any federal holiday recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. This extension also applies to any remittance due or other tax document, including quarterly estimated payments and extension requests.

Due to the observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, DC, the Internal Revenue Service announced April 17, 2012, as the official due date for filing individual federal tax forms. Tennessee law now allows taxpayers to effectively have the same due dates for their state tax returns as they have for their federal 1040 series returns.

The extended due date is April 17, 2012. Returns and tax payments normally due on April 15, 2012, that are postmarked on or before April 17, 2012, will be considered timely filed. Any tax returns or payments required to be electronically filed are also allowed the extended time to file and pay. Electronic filers using the Global Payment Systems option have until 3:00 p.m., Central Time on April 16, 2012 to remit their returns and payments.

“This legislative action makes good sense for Tennesseans,” said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. “Allowing our state’s citizens the same extended due date available to them at the federal level eliminates confusion and ensures taxpayers are given credit for timely filing and paying their taxes.”

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2011 fiscal year, the department collected $10.4 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2011 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $2.0 billion. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.

New online system makes it easy to get free permit -

NASHVILLE – With Spring drawing near, Tennesseans begin to take advantage of the mild weather to do some yard work around the home or farm. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry wants to remind citizens that if they are considering doing outdoor burning, a burn permit is required.

“Burning vegetative material that has accumulated around the yard or using fire to clear an old field can be an efficient way to get rid of such vegetation,” said State Forester Steven Scott. “However, it is very important that citizens practice safe outdoor burning. Obtaining a burn permit in advance of outdoor burning is our way of making the public aware of those recommendations and helping them know when, where, and how it is safe to burn.”

The free burn permits are required in all areas of the state by law until May 15 unless otherwise covered by local ordinances. Residents should check with their city and county government for any local restrictions.

Permits can now be obtained online for small scale burning of leaf and brush piles measuring less than 8 feet by 8 feet in area. The online system was developed to more efficiently issue permits to landowners conducting small scale debris burns, and to provide better access through the weekend and after-work hours for landowners. These permits can be obtained on days and in counties where burn permits are allowed by visiting www.burnsafetn.org. The website is also a good source of information for safe debris burning practices and fire prevention tips including how to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.

The permits can also still be obtained by calling your local Division of Forestry office between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Permits are generally good for 24 hours and can be issued for weekend burning. Phone numbers for each office can be found in the state government section of your local phone book, or by visiting www.burnsafetn.org.

More than 375,000 permits were issued last year for activities that included unconfined, outdoor burning of brush and leaves, untreated wood waste and burning to clear land. The number of requests on any given day can be high, so delays are possible, but every attempt will be made to accommodate requests.

Once a burn permit is obtained, debris burners should practice common sense while conducting a burn. This includes:

• Establish a control line around the fire, down to bare soil before conducting the burn.
• Notify neighbors and local fire departments in advance as a courtesy.
• Have tools on hand such as a leaf rake and garden hose or bucket of water to help control the fire.
• Watch for changing weather conditions as winds can blow the fire in the wrong direction.
• Always stay with your fire until it is completely out. It is not only the smart thing to do, but it is also illegal to leave an open fire unattended.

Escaped debris burns were the leading cause of wildfires in Tennessee last year accounting for 409 fires that burned nearly 2,500 acres. The Division’s burn permit system has dramatically helped reduce the numbers of escaped burns since the program began in 1995. Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $50.

Wildfires caused by arson were the second leading cause last year, but accounted for the largest acreage, burning more than 7,500 acres. Wildland arson is a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1-800-762-3017.

For more information on the TDA’s Division of Forestry, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forestry. For more information on safe debris burning, visit www.burnsafetn.org.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.