NASHVILLE (AP) — Former Republican state Rep. Andy Holt has joined the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as the director of business development.

The department announced the appointment of the outspoken conservative Dresden lawmaker in a news release Wednesday.

He will support economic development initiatives and the expansion of the agriculture and forestry industries.

Holt served in the House from 2010 until this year and was an Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee chairman. He also spent time as chairman of the Budget Subcommittee when Rep. Glen Casada was House speaker.

Holt, who was known for his fiery comments, didn't seek reelection this year.

Holt owns and runs Holt Family Farms agritourism and livestock operation in Dresden with his wife.