Are You Eligible for the TN TAEP Program?
If you’re looking for ways to fund your next agricultural building project, the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program offers cost-share opportunities for farmers through their producer programs. There are several types of buildings you could get cost-sharing for from hay barns to commodity sheds, but there are some basic eligibility requirements for the TN TAEP program as well as each producer program. Let’s review the eligibility updates and criteria for the 2025-2026 cycle.
As you might expect, you do have be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States of America.
You must be residing in the state of Tennessee.
You must be an adult, legally defined as 18 years or older.
You must have a working farm in Tennessee which includes filing a Federal IRS Schedule F (form 1040) within the last two years. Only one individual per farm is eligible to apply.
The TN TAEP program application has moved to online only. You will need a working email to register and apply which also means internet access and a capable electronic device.
You can only apply to one program and you will need to meet one of the minimum requirements. Additionally, each producer program has a list of eligible master courses. You will need to be certified in one of them.
There is a 50% cost-share available (the previous 35% cost-share option is no longer available). With only the 50% cost-share available, it is now required that all approved applicants have a master certificate that is not older than three years. You do not need to have a master certificate before you apply.
| TAEP Application A | |
| Program | Eligible Master Courses |
| Genetics |
Master Beef Master Small Ruminant Master Dairy Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness Master Forage Program Master Horse Program |
| Hay Equipment | |
| Hay Storage | |
| Herd Health | |
| Livestock Equipment | |
| Livestock Solutions | |
| Working Structures And Fence-Line Systems | |
| Dairy Solutions |
Master Dairy Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness Master Forage Program |
| Row Crop Solutions |
Master Row Crop Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness |
| Poultry Grower |
Master Commercial Poultry Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness |
| Swine Producer |
Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness |
| Beginning Farmer Option Genetics Or Livestock Equipment |
UT Farming Fundamentals TSU New Farmer Academy |
| TAEP Application B | |
| Program | Eligible Master Courses |
| Agritourism |
Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness TSA New Farmer Academy |
| Fruit & Vegetable | |
| Value-Added Products | |
| Honey Bees |
Master Beekeeping Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness TSU New Farmer Academy |
| Horticulture |
Master Nursery Producer Master Farm Manager Master Farm Family Health & Wellness TSU New Farmer Academy |
Contact your local University of Tennessee or Tennessee State University extension office to learn more about educational course offerings.
|
University of Tennessee |
utextension.tennessee.edu |
|
Tennessee State University |
tnstate.edu/extension |
Get Ready to Apply
The 2025-2026 TAEP application period is October 1-7th for cost-share funding.
With so many program options and eligible cost-sharing items, you could get assistance for more than just agricultural buildings. Visit the TAEP website for more details if you’re interested in cost-sharing for something other than a building. Here are the program requirements for the four producer programs that offer cost-sharing for buildings:
In addition to the basic requirements and the master certificate, you will also need to meet one of these minimum program requirements:
In addition to the basic requirements and the master certificate, you will also need to meet one of these minimum program requirements:
In addition to the basic requirements and the master certificate, you will also need to meet one of these minimum program requirements:
In addition to the basic requirements and the master certificate, you will also need to meet one of these minimum program requirements:
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) is a state-funded initiative designed to support and improve agricultural operations in Tennessee. Established in 2005, TAEP provides cost-share funds to farmers and producers for various projects aimed at enhancing farm profitability, efficiency, and sustainability. These projects ...
Whether your farm is rapidly growing or you’ve been diligently working the fields for years on a generational property and your current barns are wearing the proof, there are multiple options to help you secure agriculture financing for a new a building. Agriculture financing can come from various sources, including banks, government programs, and private investors...
If you’re looking for ways to fund your next agricultural building project, the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program offers farmers opportunities to improve their operations through cost-share support for approved building projects. New infrastructure can enhance your farm’s productivity, the animal welfare, and overall efficiency. Here are the buildings ...
