Tennessee Invests in Community Agricultural Projects
Cost Share Funds Support Farmers Markets, Agricultural Fairs and Educational Projects
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens today announced cost share awards totaling nearly $1.9 million to help support 36 projects to improve agricultural fairs, farmers markets and educational facilities in rural and urban communities across Tennessee.
Cost share awards for community agricultural projects are part of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program established in 2005 by Governor Bredesen and funded by the Tennessee General Assembly to spur agricultural development in the state.
“More than ever, it is important we support agricultural development projects in our rural and urban communities,” said Governor Bredesen. “Agriculture is an important economic engine and these investments support educational and market development activities that will strengthen our rural economy.”
Cost share awards for community agricultural projects are helping to establish or expand fairs, farmers markets and agricultural education programs through capital improvements. Funds are being used to improve facilities and add amenities such as covered pavilions, restrooms, livestock arenas and exhibit and classroom space to support local farm-related activities.
“This program is making a real difference where there is broad community support for county agricultural fairs, farmers markets and agricultural education programs,” said Givens. “By supporting these activities, we’re also improving the quality of agricultural education and increasing market opportunities for local farmers.”
In order to qualify for cost share funding for community agricultural projects, local fairs, farmers markets or high school agricultural education programs must contribute at least half the cost of proposed projects. In many cases, agricultural educational facilities are associated with local 4-H or FFA programs and support both youth and adult livestock handling demonstrations and exhibitions.
The 36 projects funded this year represent a wide range of new and expanded community agricultural projects and investments including 19 agricultural fairs, eight farmers markets and nine agricultural learning facilities and educational projects.
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program also provides a variety of cost share opportunities for farmers and includes programs aimed at cattle improvement, hay, grain and feed storage, animal health improvement and diversification to new and emerging forms of agriculture.
Communities interested in submitting a proposal for funding agricultural development projects will have a chance to apply again next year. For more information on TAEP, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture/enhancement/.
Community Agricultural Projects – FY’11 Projects Funded by County
|
County
|
Description
|
Funds Allocated
|
|
Bledsoe
|
Bledsoe County Agricultural Fair – Parking, office and restrooms
|
$14,000
|
|
Cannon
|
Cannon County High School – Agricultural learning center
|
$150,000
|
|
Clay
|
Clay County Fair – Auditorium
|
$50,000
|
|
Cumberland
|
Cumberland County Fair – Arena lighting, fencing and barn roofing
|
$49,686
|
|
Davidson
|
Tennessee State Fair – Architectural design
|
$50,000
|
|
DeKalb
|
DeKalb County Farmers Market – Building, coolers, lighting and restrooms
|
$30,000
|
|
Dickson
|
Dickson County Fair – Crop barn renovation, 4-H Building expansion
|
$15,250
|
|
Dyer
|
Dyer County Fair – Sorghum Village barn, livery stable and rail fence
|
$28,650
|
|
Fentress
|
Fentress County Fair – Restroom renovation
|
$4,680
|
|
Franklin
|
Franklin County High School – Agricultural learning facility
|
$150,000
|
|
Gibson
|
Bradford Special School District – Bradford High School Agricultural learning facility
|
$150,000
|
|
Gibson County Special School District – South Gibson County High School greenhouse
|
$46,971
|
|
|
Gibson County Special School District – Gibson County High School greenhouse
|
$46,971
|
|
|
Hamilton
|
Chattanooga Farmers Market – Pavilion electrical improvements
|
$12,488
|
|
Hickman
|
Hickman County Fair – Electrical/Lighting improvements and concrete flooring
|
$5,607
|
|
Humphreys
|
Humphreys County Fair – Bleachers, HVAC, insulation, lighting and parking resurfacing
|
$40,588
|
|
Humphreys County Farmers Market – Display tables, flooring and restroom improvements and signage
|
$4,507
|
|
|
Lincoln
|
Lincoln County Fair – Exhibit building, paving, entrance improvements, electrical upgrade in sheep and hog barns
|
$17,158
|
|
Maury
|
Columbia Fresh Farmers Market – Pavilion, electrical, LED lighting, signage
|
$99,000
|
|
McMinn
|
Athens Farmers Market - Pavilion
|
$100,000
|
|
Obion
|
Obion Central High School – Horticulture agricultural learning facility
|
$150,000
|
|
Overton
|
Overton County Agricultural Fair – Bleachers, restroom improvements
|
$13,000
|
|
Putnam
|
Putnam County Agricultural Industrial Fair – Open pavilion and restrooms
|
$12,500
|
|
Tennessee Technological University – Two-year project to increase fruit and vegetable high tunnel production, market organic crops and match USDA funding
|
$189,110
|
|
|
Pickett
|
Pickett County High School – Agricultural learning facility
|
$150,000
|
|
Rhea
|
Rhea County Fair Association – Electrical/Lighting, Side sheds, fair office, announcer stand and building
|
$25,191
|
|
Robertson
|
Robertson County Fair – Side shed, paving and gravel
|
$33,843
|
|
Shelby
|
Agricenter International Farmers Market – Electrical, awnings, fans, restroom improvements
|
$3,140
|
|
Memphis Farmers Market – Pavilion addition
|
$100,000
|
|
|
Smith
|
Smith County Fair – Electrical, livestock barn, tractor pull area, topsoil removal and site preparation
|
$23,435
|
|
Tipton
|
Brighton High School – Agricultural learning facility
|
$150,000
|
|
Trousdale
|
Trousdale County Youth and Community Fair – Portable bleachers
|
$3,000
|
|
Washington
|
Appalachian Fair – Kitchenette and restrooms
|
$37,301
|
|
Appalachian Fair Farmers Market – Ceiling fans, electrical, plumbing, signage and website
|
$3,248
|
|
|
Williamson
|
Williamson County Fair – Electrical, paving
|
$23,264
|
|
Wilson
|
Wilson County Fair – Livestock “tie” barn
|
$50,000
|
|
Total:
|
36 Projects
|
$1,897,588
|