Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program Helps Farmers Reach New Heights

In partnership with: Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Celebrating 15 years of supporting agricultural production projects in 2020, the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) helps improve and expand farming operations through cost-share assistance. To date, TAEP has invested nearly $186 million in more than 62,900 producer projects across the state – and for each dollar TAEP has invested, an average of $6.09 is generated in local economies.

“TAEP was established in 2005, largely thanks to both Rep. Stratton Bone Jr. and former state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens,” says Keith Harrison, assistant commissioner for business development for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “They wanted to create a program that would positively impact our state’s farmers and their rural communities as well as enhance our agricultural industry – and that’s exactly what TAEP does.”

The program supports qualifying Tennessee livestock and dairy farmers, fruit and vegetable growers, row crop farmers, honeybee producers, horticultural operations, value-added product producers, and agritourism. Participation allows producers to increase efficiency, improve farm safety or adapt to changing market situations.

According to Harrison, participants can receive a reimbursement of either 35% or 50% of their total investment, depending on the TAEP producer program for which they qualify and the requirements they meet. In many cases, participants can complete education courses to receive the higher reimbursement amount.

See more: Tennessee Century Farms Program Honors Historical Farms

“This program is perfect for a farmer or producer who is ready to invest in his or her operation and take it to the next level,” Harrison says. “For example, TAEP can assist a farmer in purchasing new equipment or building new storage facilities. TAEP can also make it possible for farmers to work with a large-animal veterinarian to develop a preventative vaccination protocol for their dairy and beef cattle, which is part of our new herd health program.”

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, TAEP saw a record-breaking number of applications for the 2020-21 fiscal year – a good sign for the state’s rural communities, Harrison says. In the future, he hopes TAEP can expand its reach to serve even more Tennesseans, particularly those who are just starting out in agriculture.

“TAEP supports Tennessee’s rural economy in a big way, and that’s important,” Harrison says. “As we move forward, we want to support new and beginning farmers of all ages through targeted programs. We are committed to growing and enhancing our state’s agricultural industry, and we look forward to taking this step in the next few years.”