TN Department Of Agriculture Gets TUFF
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is announcing cost share opportunities for agricultural and forestry businesses which is being made possible by the State of Tennessee’s American Rescue Plan. The new Tennessee Urban Farm and Forestry cost share program has been created…also referred to as TUFF. That program aims to increase agricultural and forestry production in disadvantaged areas in Tennessee’s urban communities. The TUFF program is for urban farm and forestry businesses that are planning new projects or improvements to their operations. They can apply for reimbursement for up to 50 percent of the expenses with a maximum award of $250,000 in TUFF cost share dollars. TUFF program funds are available through a competitive application process. Each application is evaluated to determine if the project aligns with priorities of the program as well as funding availability. Financial assistance received from TUFF are not loans and do not need to be repaid.
The Department of Agriculture’s Business Development Division is hosting a webinar with an overview of TUFF on Oct. 20 at 10am EDT. Registration is required and attendees may sign up at www.tn.gov/TUFF. The session will be recorded and placed on the TUFF webpage.