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TDA outlines state programs, cost-share funds and federal opportunities for struggling farmers
Summary
Commissioner Holt reviewed state cost-share programs (Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program, Ag Enterprise Fund, Agtrack), recent funding increases, and said TDA will pursue federal programs including Food for Peace and block grants to support producers.
Commissioner Andy Holt told the committee that the Tennessee Department of Agriculture manages several cost‑share and enterprise funds intended to help producers diversify and recover from losses.
Holt said the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program’s recurring funding rose from $26,500,000 to $31,500,000 in the prior year and described the Ag Enterprise Fund as a recurring $15,000,000 pot that supports a 25% cost‑share program (maximum $500,000) as well as an Agtrack cost‑share with a maximum reimbursement described in the presentation. Holt said TDA will also pursue federal opportunities such as the Food for Peace program, block grants for disaster relief and available crop insurance subsidies.
Members asked for more detailed district-level project lists and commended the department’s responsiveness to constituent requests. The committee did not enact changes to program funding during the session; Holt said the department will continue outreach and apply for available federal grants where appropriate.
