The Ag Growth Initiative is a set of grant programs designed to help farmers expand or improve their operations by providing industry representation and marketing opportunities. It includes the Statewide Agricultural Producer Association Grant Program and Farmers Market Grant Program. For example, the purpose of the latter is to increase income to Tennessee farmers by […]
The Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) is a grant program that supports job creation and economic development in Tennessee’s agriculture and forestry sector. It supports efforts to increase farm income, boost access to markets, expand the capacity of existing agricultural and forestry businesses, and market new technological innovation with the potential to impact Tennessee’s agriculture or […]
The Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund provides resources to projects that lessen erosion, minimize livestock impact on Tennessee’s waters, and encourage proper use of nutrients on farms by increasing knowledge of best practices, which is an evidence-based practice. These projects help maintain or improve farm productivity while also maintaining, protecting, or improving the conditions of Tennessee’s […]
Competitive cost share program providing 25% of project costs up to $1,000,000 for agriculture or forestry related projects that start or expand businesses. Minimum total project capital expenditure is $2,000,000. Successful grant recipients demonstrate a strong potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity or agricultural innovation. Priority is given to […]
The Forest Management program educates, empowers, and facilitates forest management activities on Tennessee’s private and public forest lands. Those activities focus on forest health, water quality protection, urban forest management, rural forest management, reforestation, and forest inventory and analysis. The foundation for Forest Management in Tennessee is the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, which provides […]
The Forest Protection Program works to minimize damage to forest resources and personal property while giving priority to firefighter and public safety. The program prevents and suppresses wildfires, promotes hazard reduction activities, implements beneficial prescribed fire, and supports wildland fire training for volunteer fire departments and other wildland firefighters. The program also includes presentations for […]
FFA engages middle and high school students enrolled in agricultural education courses, preparing them for careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related industries. The program emphasizes leadership development, personal growth, and career readiness through classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), and participation in FFA competitions, conferences, and community service projects. By equipping students with technical […]
The Gulf Hypoxia Program works to reduce excessive nutrients from watersheds in Tennessee that can harm fish and other aquatic life. It does this by providing financial incentive payments to farmers to plant cover crops that reduce the potential for nutrient runoff.
TDA offers scholarships to participants who earn their master’s certification through the University of Tennessee’s and Tennessee State University’s educational programs related to Tennessee’s agricultural industry. These programs are designed to provide hands-on experience in current management practices that are important to the profitability and sustainability of the industry.
The Nonpoint Source Grant Program works to reduce water pollution from nonpoint sources (e.g., polluted runoff) by funding restoration projects in watersheds impaired by nonpoint sources. It also funds educational initiatives that raise awareness and knowledge about nonpoint sources of pollution. Grantees can include local and state governments, higher education institutions, and nongovernmental organizations.
Pick Tennessee Products (PickTN) is a program to market products from Tennessee’s farms and food businesses. Eligible producers and manufacturers can participate in the program to utilize the PickTN brand and be included in TDA marketing efforts. The PickTN mobile app, online directory, and social media presence serve to help consumers easily find the farms, […]
Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG) support specialty crop producers through funding for research, education, marketing, and innovative projects. Tennessee produces a wide range of specialty crops, and these funds enhance production and competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, floriculture, and other nursery crops.
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) provides cost share dollars to agricultural producers for the purpose of making long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make a positive economic impact in their communities.
