Agriculture Grants

The National Institute of Food and Agricultures Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) focuses oncollaborative science engagement that intends to develop a community of researchers across both crops and animalsthat will lay the foundation for expanding knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes of importance to the agriculture sector of the United States. Success of the initiative will inform approaches to understanding how variable weather, environments, and production systems interact with genetic diversity present in crops and animals to impact growth and productivity. This will provide greater accuracy in predicting crop and animal performance under variable conditions and more efficient selection of well-adapted, superior genotypes that farmers and ranchers can produce.

Federally funded program to enhance competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, grapes, horticultural, etc. The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Projects must show a benefit to the specialty crop industry. This program is not designed for start-ups or projects that only benefit one operation. Universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, industry, or community-based organizations may submit a proposal for funding. A review committee will select projects to be included in Tennessee’s state plan. This is a competitive program. Projects must directly impact multiple Tennessee producers. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture seeks to identify and support projects that are forward thinking with a positive, long-lasting impact on Tennessee Agriculture.

State funded cost share program aimed at helping farmers and producers make strategic longterm infrastructure investments for increased productivity and profitability. The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) was established in 2005 to provide 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.

This funding initiative supports Tennessee-based projects that enhance agricultural, food, and forestry sectors by promoting job creation and economic development through innovative processing and market access improvements.

This program provides funding for research and projects that improve food safety, agricultural productivity, and sustainability, targeting academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations involved in agriculture and food sciences.

This program provides financial support for agricultural and forestry businesses in Tennessee to develop value-added processing projects, including those in produce, dairy, meat, specialty foods, and aquaculture.

County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Planning Grants in New York aim to support local efforts to sustain the economic viability of the state's agricultural industry and its land base, while also preserving the environment and landscape associated with agriculture. Eligible counties can receive grants of up to $50,000 or 50% of the planning costs (whichever is less) to develop a county agriculture and farmland protection plan. The county must contribute at least 20% in cash (with no more than 80% in in-kind services), and two counties can collaborate on an application. Counties with an established agricultural and farmland protection board that have not had an approved plan in the last ten years are eligible for funding.

The Municipal Agriculture and Farmland Protection Planning Grants in New York aim to support local initiatives that sustain the economic viability of the state's agricultural industry and its supporting land base, while also preserving the environment and landscape values associated with agriculture. These grants are available to municipalities (cities, towns, and villages) for developing local farmland protection plans through zoning, land use, and subdivision regulations. Eligible municipalities can receive grants up to $25,000 or 75% of the cost for plan development, with a required local funding share of at least 20% in cash. Collaboration between two municipalities on an application is permitted. Additionally, any municipality without a previous agricultural and farmland protection plan is eligible for funding.

Marketing service to connect wood products consumers with Tennessee wood using industry’s primary & secondary producers, artisans & others in the supply chain to increase sales of locally produced & processed wood products. The goal of the Tennessee Wood Products brand is to increase visibility and enhance marketing opportunities for Tennessee’s wood products industry. A primary benefit of this program is to connect consumers of wood products to Tennessee producers and manufacturers through the use of a brand logo that signifies common values and attributes of Tennessee’s abundant, sustainable and quality forest resources, the talented and skilled human resources that service the industry, and the wide diversity of products produced and used in our everyday lives.

Forestry programs under the Southern Pine Beetle Initiative were developed to promote long term investments in Tennessee’s pine forests by providing cost share incentives to qualifying landowners. The Southern Pine Beetle Initiative (SPBI) was developed to encourage landowners to proactively manage their pine forest stands and make them more resilient to beetle infestations. Funds are provided by the USDA Forest Service and administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF).

Forestry programs under the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) were developed to promote long term investments in Tennessee’s forests by providing cost share incentives to qualifying landowners. Forestry programs under the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) were developed to promote long term investments in Tennessee’s forests by providing cost share incentives to qualifying landowners. The programs help promote sustainable forest management practices on family forestland, which provide multiple resource benefits such as timber, wildlife habitat, clean water, and soil protection.

Provide grants to address water quality impairments from nonpoint source pollution from agriculture and other sources. The ARCF provides cost-share assistance to Tennessee landowners to install Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce agricultural water pollution. This assistance is facilitated primarily through Soil and Water Conservation Districts although Resource Conservation and Development Councils, universities, and other agricultural associations may participate.

This program provides free pine seedlings to qualifying family forest owners in Tennessee to promote reforestation on recently harvested or converted lands.

This program provides financial assistance to Tennessee farmers and agricultural producers to help them invest in their operations, improve efficiency, and positively impact their communities.

Funding to offset eligibible adminstrative expenses incurred while providing low income households with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. The Commodity Distrubtion section administers USDA's Food Distribution Program for schools and residential institutions and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. These programs provide nutritious, USDA-purchased food to children and low-income citizens while supporting American agricultural producers.

Technical and financial assistance to venues aimed at attracting visitors to farm, winery, farmers market, or other agritourism providers. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture offers educational and marketing resources for established or developing agritourism operations. TDA holds workshops and an annual conference focusing on marketing, safety and other important issues. The Pick Tennessee Products campaign and website are valuable free marketing tools provided by the Business Development Division.

Funding for inspection of honeybee colonies. Since 1995, the Department of Agriculture has offered grants to local beekeeper associations for the inspection of honeybee colonies. Grant funds are used to pay bee inspectors selected by their association who are willing and qualified to inspect honeybee colonies in their geographical area. Tennessee has allocated $22,050 to be divided among local associations that request grants.

The purpose of the Cacao for Peace (CfP) activity is to provide scientific and regulatory support to the public and private sectors to strengthen the cacao sector in Colombia. In this activity, CfP seeks to support an activity that will strengthen Colombias cacao value chain through increased coordination and practical application of existing research, identify innovative research proposals, and establish a process to disseminate research to its end users. These activities support the Cacao for Peace intermediate result: Establish a mechanism for coordinated and scientifically robust cacao research in Colombia.