TDOT Announces Application Dates For Cost Share Program For Farmers

Applications begin Sunday for this year’s Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, a cost-share plan to help qualified farmers across the Upper Cumberland.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture operates the program which can provide up to 50 percent of the costs of ag-related projects. White County UT Extension Agent Scott Swaope said that the program is largely meant to help with infrastructure around the farm.

“It’s had a great impact on White County and all the other counties in the Upper Cumberland,” Swaope said. “So adding dollars to help those farm producers and stuff with infrastructure, with genetics, hay barns and lots of different things that can help.”

Swaope said application dates run through October 7th and can be submitted both via mail and online. Swaope said that submitting an application is completely free to citizens, however, people may have to meet certain qualifications for certain programs.

“It’s more educational-type things that you would have and certifications you would have to have to apply,” Swaope said. “Not necessarily things that you would have to pay for to apply.”

Swaope said that farmers will also have to meet minimum requirements to show the need for submissions for infrastructure.

“They’re buying their products here locally,” Swaope said. “They’re using local labor sources, and so it’s a huge economic impact to our local, especially our rural, communities.”

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program was established in 2005 and has invested over $245 million in farmers. The money has helped establish over 80,000 producer projects across the state since its founding and generates $6.55 for every dollar spent.