Seven more Tennessee businesses will now have the opportunity to grow and positively impact rural economies through grants provided by the Agriculture Enterprise Fund (AEF).
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, along with Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe, announced the sixth round of recipients of funding through the program.
The AEF is an incentive program that supports job creation and economic growth by facilitating agricultural development in Tennessee. It provides assistance to new and expanding Tennessee agriculture, forestry, and food businesses, particularly in rural counties.
Successful grant recipients must demonstrate a strong potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation. Priority is given to businesses located in at-risk or distressed counties.
AEF grant recipients and projects announced included items like; new sawmill for walnut lumber, beef cattle operation adding a walk-in freezer, winery adding a filtration system, adding canola oil press, adding a creamery and adding storage to hold local milk.
You will find more information about the Tennessee Agriculture Enterprise Fund at www.tn.gov/agriculture or by emailing Kyle Hensley at kyle.hensley@tn.gov.
