Agricultural Enhancement Program assistance available for area farmers

State Sen. Jerry Cooper (D-Morrison) reminds all area farmers of the availability of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. In particular, Cooper encourages area farmers to get information on three programs whose application periods are currently ongoing.

‘The State Department of Agriculture currently has several programs in place that are offering assistance,’ Cooper said. ‘These programs could be greatly beneficial to numerous local farmers.’

The first program, the Producer Diversification Cost Share, offers $10,000 to $15,000 grants to eligible farmers to ‘improve or expand operations through production of diversified agricultural products.’

The application period for this program ends Aug. 31. Applicants must be residents of Tennessee and must operate a farm or agri-business within the state.

Industry sectors designated as priority areas for this program include agri-tourism, aquaculture, bees, fruits and vegetables, goats and sheep, horticulture, organics, value-added products, and viticulture. Projects must be pre-approved before any work is begun or purchases made.

Fencing, clearing of land and general landscaping, general office equipment and supplies, general maintenance and renovations, major construction, general motorized equipment, promotional items, and water source creation are not eligible for this program.

The second program, the Cattle Improvement Cost Share, is intended to ‘improve herds and profits through better genetics and safer handling equipment.’ The application period for this program ends Dec. 31.

Applicants must register their premises with the National Animal Identification System and must be Beef Quality Assurance certified. Applicants must also be residents of Tennessee and own at least 10 cows.

The third program, the Hay Storage Cost Share, has a stated goal to ‘improve quantity and quality of hay through proper storage.’ The application period for this program ends Oct. 1.

Maximum cost share for the program is $3,500, and the reimbursement deadline is May 1, 2008. Applicants must be residents of Tennessee and must operate a farm or agri-business within the state. They must also own at least 10 cows and raise at least 50 acres of hay.

‘We all know how expensive farming is these days,’ Cooper said. ‘I encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible to get more information about these programs.’

For more information, potential applicants may visit their local agricultural extension office, call 615-837-5160, or visit www.picktnproducts.org.