Camden farm designated official site of freshwater pearl culturing

The Benton County facility is the only farm operation producing freshwater cultured pearls in North America. The bill designating the farm was approved unanimously last month by both the House and Senate.

“The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm, its techniques, operations and product, shall hereby be noted as an education facility to introduce the public to the industry of culturing freshwater pearls,” the bill stated.

In 2002, the Birdsong Resort and Marina — which is home to the farm and museum — hosted more than 300,000 tourists, earning a position in Tennessee’s top 20 attractions listed by the state Department of Tourist Development. Activities at the farm include tours, a mini-theater, a museum and pearl jewelry showroom.