TUFF Announces Latest Recipients of Cost Sharing Assistance

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has released the latest group of recipients for its innovative initiative, the Tennessee Urban Farm and Forestry (TUFF) cost share program. According to a recent announcement, the program is forecasted to catalyze production increases for small farming and forestry businesses and significantly enhance access to nutritious food within Tennessee’s urban areas.

Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. highlighted the central role of this funding in boosting Tennessee’s agricultural economy. He specifically emphasized how TUFF-backed businesses will use these funds to elevate production and enrich the quality of life for Tennessee’s citizens.

Strong Interest and Significant Investment

This phase of the TUFF program saw an impressive 19 applications, with a total funding request of over $3.3 million. The allocated budget from the State of Tennessee’s American Rescue Plan funding through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund is approximately $4 million, indicating that the program has already garnered considerable attention and interest from small farming and forestry businesses in urban areas.

Mayfield Lumber Co., Dickson County Government, and Friends of Mill Ridge Park are among the businesses that will receive funding in this round. The projects receiving TUFF cost share funding range from the expansion of lumber storage facilities, establishment of regional agricultural centers, increased access to fresh food for local communities, to purchasing equipment for mulch production and constructing food storage buildings.

Evaluating Public Health Proposals

According to TDA, public health projects are evaluated based on three key criteria. Firstly, they are assessed concerning their ability to contribute meaningfully to the communities they plan to serve, particularly, impacting minority and underserved groups disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secondly, they consider the number of people the projects aim to impact. Finally, TDA also looks at the project’s capacity to continue the work beyond the grant period, readiness, and financial capability to complete the project, and collaboration with both industry and community partners.

Supporting Small Business Expansion

For small business expansion proposals, scoring is predominantly based on the potential to increase operational capacity and the number of jobs expected to be created. The evaluation committee also considers the applicant’s ability to sustain the work post-grant period, readiness, financial capacity to complete the project, and ability to collaborate with industry and community partners.

TDA, through initiatives such as TUFF, continues to serve, support, and promote agriculture and forestry, thereby ensuring that these sectors remain cornerstones in Tennessee’s economy.

As this program continues to roll out, it is expected that more small farming and forestry businesses will benefit from the support. This, in turn, will improve the quality of life for Tennessee residents, particularly those living in urban areas, who will experience increased access to nutritious foods and a boost to local economies.