Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program Applications Due July 1
June 11, 2009. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP), which is a cost share program that will cover 35%-50% of an improvement project and can range from $1,200 to $15,000 of additional funds. The projects that are eligible for cost-share include livestock equipment, cattle genetics, hay storage, feed storage, grain, storage, producer diversification opportunities, and Agritourism directional signs that will have the familiar TDA red barn sign on them. Recipients have used funds for irrigation improvements, corral improvements, and sheep handling equipment.
In order to be eligible, the applicant must be at least 18
years of age at the time of the application, a Tennessee resident and operate a
farm or agribusiness in Tennessee; the infrastructure must be built on
applicant owned land, unless the project is regarding livestock equipment,
which can be located on leased land. The applicant must have the ability and
financial capacity to finish the proposed project, and must not combine
projects with other applicants. Additionally, applicants with livestock must
register their premises with the TDA.
Applications are available at most farm agencies and farm
supply stores including USDA Farm Service Agency, UT Extension, Farm Bureau and
Tennessee Farmers Co-op locations, and online at www.TN.gov/agriculture/enhancement. The applications are due by July 1, 2009.