State Announces $100K Grant for Martin Farmers Market
- Ag Enhancement Funds to Help Construct Pavilion, Expand Access to Local Products -
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson today announced a $100,000 Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program grant to the city of Martin to help fund the construction of a new farmers market pavilion.
Johnson presented the grant to Mayor Randy Brundige during the Mayor’s Kickoff Luncheon at the annual Tennessee Soybean Festival at UT Martin.
“On behalf of Gov. Bill Haslam, I’m happy to announce this grant to help the city build a farmers market pavilion to better serve the area’s needs,” Johnson said. “The grant is part of our efforts to increase economic activity in our rural communities by responding to the growth in and demand for Tennessee’s fresh and local farm products.”
The grant follows a recommendation to increase local marketing opportunities for Tennessee farmers as outlined in the Governor’s Rural Challenge: A 10-Year Strategic Plan. The plan was developed last year at the request of Haslam to guide the state’s agricultural development efforts.
“We are very excited to receive this grant. Supporting local farmers and locally grown products is important. The grant will help construct a much-needed facility and will be another great addition to our downtown,” Brundige said.
The grant is based on a proposal by the city to provide matching funds for the construction of a permanent pavilion in the city’s Historic Business District in keeping with historic guidelines and resembling a train depot. The pavilion will support year-round activity that is currently restricted to only certain times of the year based on weather conditions.
The purpose of the TAEP Farmers Market Capital Development Grant Program is to increase income to Tennessee farmers by providing assistance for the establishment or improvement of farmers market in communities throughout the state.
Gov. Haslam has fully funded the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program for the past three years with the support of the Tennessee General Assembly. The program, funded through the state’s cigarette sales tax, was established in 2005 to help increase farm income and rural economic activity.
State Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) and state Rep. Andy Holt (R-Dresden) represent the city of Martin and Weakley County in the Tennessee General Assembly.