Three local farmers were among the more than 200 across Tennessee whose hope to expand or improve their farming operations just became a reality. Governor Phil Bredesen and Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens recently announced Producer Diversification cost share awards totaling nearly $1.2 million to help 204 Tennessee farmers invest in new or expanding areas of agriculture.

The Producer Diversification cost share opportunity is part of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program established in 2005 by Governor Bredesen and funded by the Tennessee General Assembly to spur farm investment in Tennessee. In its fourth year, the program helps farmers expand or improve their operations through production of varied agricultural products. Diversified agricultural products include agritourism, aquaculture, bees, fruits and vegetables, horticulture, organics, value-added products, viticulture and others as approved by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Joe Fetzer, Diane Ravens and Scott Snyder received funds to help enhance their operations. Fetzer, who opened The River Maze in Ocoee a few years ago, received $15,000 for restrooms and lighting under the Agritourism provision. Ravens, of Ocoee, received $2,049 to expand her beekeeping operation and for honey extracting equipment. Snyder, of Turtletown, was awarded $994 for vine stock and trellising.

Polk County ranked 23rd in the state out of all 95 counties, based on the amount approved.

“In these uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever for farmers to look at ways to diversify their operations,” said Governor Bredesen. “These business investments and opportunities will not only help farmers keep their operations profitable but they will help strengthen our rural economy in communities across the state.”

Through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, which provides a variety of cost share opportunities for farmers and also includes programs aimed at cattle improvement, hay and feed storage and animal health improvement, producers can make their operations more profitable. Through the Producer Diversification cost share opportunity, Tennessee farmers can apply for reimbursement of 35-50 percent, up to $15,000 in some instances, for eligible cost share activities.

The dollars are meant to help farmers who want to install farm infrastructure, purchase specialty equipment and market their diversified farm products. Applications are then reviewed for eligibility, ranked and approved on a competitive basis, based on project plans and the potential to increase farm income.

The 204 projects funded this year represent a wide range of new and emerging agricultural investments. Funding by project category for this year breaks down as follows: Agritourism – 32; Aquaculture – 4; Bees and honey – 42; Fruits and Vegetables – 40; Horticulture – 38; Organics – 8; Value-added Products – 14; Viticulture – 26

Farmers interested in submitting a proposal for funding will have a chance to apply again next year. For more information about Producer Diversification cost share opportunities, contact the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at 615-837-5346, or via e-mail at Ag.Growth@TN.gov. Information about the TAEP can be found online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/enhancement/.