Tennessee Agriculture Grants

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

This funding opportunity supports local governments, universities, nonprofits, and state agencies in Tennessee to implement projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in impaired watersheds.

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.

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 program provides funding to four designated initiatives to support dairy businesses in developing, marketing, and distributing innovative dairy products while enhancing regional resilience and farmer income.

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.

The Tennessee Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Assistance Program, announced by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF), is a grant opportunity provided in partnership with the Forest Service. This program aims to promote the creation, enhancement, and protection of urban and community forest ecosystems throughout Tennessee, supporting full-circle management of these valuable resources. The broader mission alignment for this program is rooted in fostering sustainable and healthy communities through environmental stewardship, which aligns with the strategic priorities of both the Forest Service and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The program targets units of local governments (city, town, county), non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, and public educational institutions. Community tree volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, or civic groups that are not 501(c)3 organizations are also eligible if they apply in partnership with a non-profit or local government. The impact goals are to integrate U&CF principles into planning, promote the role of U&CF in human health and wellness, cultivate diversity and leadership in the U&CF community, strengthen forest health and biodiversity, improve management and stewardship, and increase funding for U&CF initiatives. Key priorities for projects include extreme heat mitigation, urban wood utilization, urban food forests, and workforce development. The program also emphasizes increasing public awareness and environmental education to promote stewardship, as well as engaging with communities under the Justice40 initiative through outreach, education, and technical and financial assistance. This focus reflects a strategic theory of change that links targeted interventions in urban forestry to broader improvements in public health, environmental resilience, and social equity within Tennessee communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include facilitating strong partnerships among various governmental and non-profit entities, increasing awareness and practice of full-circle management in urban forests, and improving community preparedness for natural disasters. The program also seeks to increase the number of communities participating in Arbor Day Foundation recognition programs and to increase awareness of the numerous benefits of trees, such as those related to extreme heat mitigation and stormwater management. Applicants can apply for amounts between $5,000 and $40,000, with projects expected to be completed within one year. Eligible projects encompass urban and community forestry management, tree planting, program development or capacity building, urban and community wood utilization, and workforce development.

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.

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 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.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist farmers in 14 designated counties of Upper East Tennessee who have suffered damages or losses due to Tropical Storm Helene, enabling them to recover and rebuild their operations.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

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.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is offering the Community Tree Planting Program, funded by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) through the 2008 State Legislature. This grant program is administered by the Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The core mission of this grant is to increase the tree resource base in cities and towns across Tennessee, focusing on the functional benefits of urban trees rather than solely on beautification. The primary beneficiaries of this program are communities and local units of government, non-profit organizations, and elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions within Tennessee. The impact goal is to enhance the state's urban tree resources to provide direct cost-saving benefits to communities. These benefits include energy savings through shading, storm water mitigation, rain interception, and improved air quality through filtration and absorption. The program's priorities and focuses are explicitly not beautification but rather the practical, environmental services that trees provide. It emphasizes that trees are "work horses for communities." Recommended goals and objectives for applicants include statements about urban trees providing cooler temperatures, cleaner air, reduced flooding and erosion, improved human health, and food and shelter for wildlife. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the increase in the tree resource base and the subsequent realization of the aforementioned environmental and economic benefits. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on quantifiable benefits like energy savings and storm water mitigation implies an expectation of measurable improvements in these areas. The grant contracts will run from December 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, suggesting that the initial outcomes will be assessed within this timeframe. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, which further indicates a focus on smaller, community-level projects with clear, achievable objectives.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

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.

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).

The Centennial Park Conservancy is offering Nashville Earth Day grants to support local environmental initiatives, utilizing $60,000 in proceeds from the 2024 Nashville Earth Day festival. This funding is dedicated to underwriting environmental projects in public spaces throughout Nashville, aligning with the Conservancy's broader mission of sustaining Centennial Park's vibrancy and promoting positive environmental change across the city. The program emphasizes community engagement and direct action to address environmental concerns. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including community members who benefit from improved public spaces, those involved in community gardens, and individuals participating in environmental education. The impact goals are ambitious and directly address critical environmental issues within Nashville. These include increasing urban tree canopy, supporting pollinator populations, enhancing local food systems through community gardens, improving water quality, and promoting environmental literacy among both adults and children. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are clearly defined through the types of activities that have been previously funded and are expected to continue. These include the planting of trees, care for bee populations, development and improvement of community gardens and pollinator habitats, waterway cleanups, and invasive plant removal. A significant focus is also placed on environmental education, reaching thousands of individuals in parks and classrooms, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious community. Expected outcomes and measurable results are evident in the program's past successes and future objectives. The program has already facilitated the planting of 240 trees, cared for 160,000 bees, established or improved 11 community gardens and pollinator habitats, cleaned up 15 waterways, and donated 2,300 trees. Future grants will aim to continue and expand upon these measurable impacts, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment across Nashville. The Centennial Park Conservancy's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that direct investment in local environmental projects, combined with community education and engagement, leads to lasting positive change. By funding initiatives that enhance public spaces and educate the populace, the Conservancy aims to create a ripple effect of environmental stewardship. Their approach demonstrates a commitment to practical, on-the-ground interventions that yield tangible environmental benefits and foster a deeper connection between residents and their natural surroundings.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee to use arts and culture for community revitalization and economic growth.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.