TAEP Overview
Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP)
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program 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.
More than $267 million has been invested in 86,655 producer projects from 2005 through 2023. Each TAEP dollar generates $6.55 in local economies.
Programs include Dairy Solutions, Genetics, Hay Storage, Hay Equipment, Livestock Equipment, Livestock Solutions, Poultry Grower, Row Crop Solutions, Swine Producer, Working Structures & Fence-line Systems, and Producer Diversification (agritourism, fruit & vegetable, honey bee, horticulture, organics, and value-added products).
The annual application period is October 1st – 7th. New application materials are available in late August of each year on the TAEP webpage.
To be eligible for TAEP cost share, applicants must meet basic eligibility and specific program requirements. Each program has a reimbursement maximum. Maximums range from $2,000 to $12,000. The amount of payment is based upon a 50% cost share of actual expenses incurred for eligible program items up to the program maximum. Approved applicants are required to have a current eligible master certification or special requirement equivalent for Producer Diversification at time of reimbursement, not at time of application, to be considered for cost share funding.
Program purchases can be made starting October 1st, which is the beginning of the application period and must be completed by the final reimbursement deadline for the program approved.
Approval notifications are announced in mid-December. Reimbursement packets are mailed in January. The reimbursement packet features approval documentation and reimbursement instructions. After receiving the packet, reimbursement requests can be submitted once the project is completed. Reimbursement requests must be submitted prior to the final reimbursement request deadline for the program approved.
Reimbursement requests include program specific documentation, receipts, project pictures, taxpayer information (IRS Form W9), and educational certification. Each reimbursement request is audited for project eligibility, allowable purchase dates, and the visual representation of the project on the farm. Projects may be pre-verified with a farm visit prior to payment if needed.
Applicants must utilize equipment and structures reimbursed with cost share funds for the intended purpose of the program for a minimum of five (5) continuous years from date of purchase. Site visits relating to the performance of the project before, during and after completion may take place. Site visits may also include verification of program eligibility to ensure applicants meet eligibility and minimum livestock/acreage requirements for chosen program. Providing any false, fraudulent, or misleading information may result in suspension of the applicant’s operation, civil litigation, and/or criminal prosecution. Random sample verifications are also conducted annually to ensure project usage from previous fiscal years.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is grateful to the Office of the Governor and the Tennessee Legislature for supporting the funding of TAEP. This program stimulates economic activity throughout all 95 counties of Tennessee.