Key Takeaways:
- The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces recipients of the AgTrack cost share fund.
- AgTrack supports agricultural, food, and forestry businesses, focusing on value-added and processing projects.
- The program aims to promote job creation, economic development, and increased farm income.
- Ten businesses across various counties in Tennessee have been awarded AgTrack funding.
- Projects range from sawmill installations to feed mill and meat processing facility constructions.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has announced the recipients of the newest cost share fund, AgTrack. This competitive grant program awards funds to start or expand agricultural, food, and forestry businesses, as well as nonprofits, local governments, and other entities in Tennessee or those whose projects are located in the state. AgTrack emphasizes value-added and processing projects that benefit other producers or forest landowners.
“Job creation and economic development continue to be the focus for incentive programs like AgTrack,” stated Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “This new program is aimed at businesses that have the potential to increase farm income, access to markets, or capacity. We are pleased to be working with the first recipients of our new program.”
AgTrack Funding Recipients
The following businesses have been awarded AgTrack funding for their projects:
- Miller Bros. Sawmill, Carter County: High-capacity sawmill installation.
- Winell Lee Lumber Co., Putnam County: Millwork facility construction.
- J&J Works Farm, Obion County: High-capacity sawmill installation.
- United Farm and Home Co-op, Maury County: Feed mill construction.
- Appalachian Producers Co-op, Washington County: Meat processing facility construction.
- Oak Grove Farm, Sumner County: Retail storefront and commercial kitchen construction.
- Middle Tennessee Ag Services, Inc., Marshall County: Grain elevator construction.
- Hickory Corner Dairy, Claiborne County: Stall barn construction.
- Ervin Feed & Seed, Obion County: Grain storage facility construction.
- Old South Wood Preserving, Lawrence County: Fence post mill addition.
Program Goals and Benefits
The AgTrack program is designed to support businesses that can contribute to increased farm income, better access to markets, and enhanced operational capacity. AgTrack aims to promote economic development and job creation within the state’s agricultural sector by funding projects like high-capacity sawmill installations and feed mill constructions.
Commissioner Hatcher highlighted the program’s broader impact, noting that it seeks to bolster the economic viability of Tennessee’s agricultural and forestry industries. The supported projects not only benefit the individual businesses but also provide significant advantages to local producers and forest landowners.
