| FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE August 15, 2006 |
CONTACT: Tom Womack |
Ag Growth Cost Share Deadline Sept. 30
TDA Seeks Innovative Partners
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee farmers have until Sept. 30 to apply for cost share dollars to help diversify their farm operations announced state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens.
“This is a great opportunity, and there’s still plenty of time for farmers to apply for 35 percent, up to $10,000, in cost share dollars to expand or to begin producing in areas of diversified crops, livestock or services,” says Givens. “We want to be a business partner for anyone who has the entrepreneurial drive to invest in their farming operation for any number of growth markets.”
The goal of the Tennessee Agricultural Growth Initiative is to build farm income by helping farmers expand or improve their operations through production of diversified agricultural products. Diversified agricultural products include agri-tourism, aquaculture, bees, fruits and vegetables, horticulture, goats and sheep, organics, value-added products, viticulture and others as approved by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
In the first year of the Ag Growth Initiative, the department funded 152 projects totaling more than $645,000.
The Ag Growth Initiative is part of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, a comprehensive agricultural development initiative established by Governor Phil Bredesen and supported by the Tennessee General Assembly with a $6 million state appropriation. In addition to encouraging farm diversification and innovation, the TAEP also aims to improve cattle production and to expand animal health services in Tennessee.
Tennessee farmers can apply for reimbursement of 35 percent cost share for activities or items within several funding categories. A farmer may be eligible for cost share assistance in more than one category, but cannot receive more than a total of $10,000 in any fiscal year.
The cost share funds will benefit farmers who wish to install farm infrastructure, purchase specialty equipment and/or market their diversified farm products.
“We’ve really worked to make the application process as simple as possible. It does require a little thought and planning, but it’s well worth the effort if you want to diversify, improve or expand an established part of your farm. And, we’re here to help you through the process,” said Ag Growth coordinator Jan Keyser.
Applicants must be Tennessee residents and operate a farm located in the state. Producers with livestock must first register their premises with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for the National Animal Identification Program in order to complete the application requirements.
Applications are available through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Market Development office and many local farm service centers. Applications can also be downloaded and printed from the department’s Web site, www.picktnproducts.org.
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30 and evaluated on a competitive basis by industry sector. Only projects that are approved in advance by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture will be eligible for cost share assistance. Approved projects will be announced Oct. 16, and producers will have a year to complete approved activities.
For more information, contact Keyser at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 40627, Nashville, TN 37204, (615) 837-5346, or via e-mail at Ag.Growth@state.tn.us.
###
This and other news from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture can be found online at Tennessee.gov/agriculture/news