Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Cost Sharing Overview

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) was launched in 2005 to provide cost-share funding to agricultural producers across Tennessee. The program supports long-term investments that strengthen individual farms and rural communities. Through TAEP, producers can increase profitability, respond to evolving market conditions, improve farm safety, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to local economic growth.

Since its inception, TAEP has invested more than $309 million in 97,855 producer projects (2005–2025). For every TAEP dollar awarded, $6.55 is generated in local economic impact, reinforcing agriculture’s vital role in Tennessee’s economy.

Learn More at:  TAEP

2026 Program Areas

TAEP offers cost-share opportunities in the following categories:

• Dairy Solutions

• Genetics

• Hay Storage

• Hay Equipment

• Herd Health

• Livestock Equipment  (Such as Cyclops Electric Fence Chargers and Energizers)

• Livestock Solutions (Such as Tru-Test Cattle Scales)

• Poultry Grower

• Row Crop Solutions

• Swine Producer

• Working Structures & Fence-line Systems

• Producer Diversification (including agritourism, fruit and vegetable production, honey bees, horticulture, organics, and value-added products)

Application Timeline

• Application Period: October 1–7 each year

• Application Materials Available: Late August on the TAEP webpage

• Approval Notifications: Mid-December

• Reimbursement Packets Mailed: January

Approved applicants may begin making eligible purchases starting October 1, the first day of the application period. All purchases must be completed before the final reimbursement deadline for the approved program.

Funding Structure & Eligibility

To qualify for TAEP cost share, applicants must meet both general eligibility requirements and specific criteria for their selected program.

• Cost share is based on 50% of eligible expenses.

• Program reimbursement maximums range from $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the category.

• Applicants must hold a current eligible master certification (or special requirement equivalent for Producer Diversification) at the time of reimbursement, not at the time of application.

Reimbursement Process

Once a project is completed, producers may submit a reimbursement request before the program’s final deadline. Each request must include:

• Program-specific documentation

• Itemized receipts

• Photographs of the completed project

• IRS Form W-9 (taxpayer information)

• Educational certification

All submissions are audited to confirm:

• Project eligibility

• Approved purchase dates

• Visual verification of the project on-site

If necessary, projects may be pre-verified through a farm visit before payment is issued.

Compliance & Accountability

Equipment and structures funded through TAEP must be used for their approved purpose for a minimum of five (5) continuous years from the date of purchase. Site visits may occur before, during, or after project completion to verify compliance and eligibility, including livestock and acreage minimums.

Providing false or misleading information may result in:

• Suspension from the program

• Civil litigation

• Criminal prosecution

Additionally, random verification reviews are conducted each year to confirm continued proper use of previously funded projects.

Supporting Tennessee Agriculture

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), with the support of the Governor’s Office and the Tennessee Legislature, proudly administers TAEP. The program drives economic activity in all 95 counties and continues to strengthen Tennessee’s agricultural industry for future generations.