Farmers in Tennessee impacted by Hurricane Helene have been given another chance to apply for financial assistance through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). The application window, originally set for October, has been extended to early December for those most affected by the hurricane. The TAEP program offers cost-share funds to help farmers invest in and improve their agricultural operations.
According to an announcement from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, this second chance is exclusive to farmers operating in a select group of counties outlined by Governor Bill Lee's Expedited Major Disaster Declaration. It runs from December 2-6, for farmers in Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties.
"Those farmers needed to focus on the immediate needs of their families and communities at that time. We are glad to offer them a second chance to take part in TAEP," Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said in a statement obtained by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Farmers who applied in October do not need to take any further action.
Since its establishment in 2005, the TAEP has supported Tennessee farmers in improving profitability, efficiency, and safety while helping them adapt to changing market conditions. The program also provides assistance across various sectors, including dairy, livestock, poultry, row crops, and more, with a complete list of eligible categories available on the program's website. In the most recent application period in October, over 7,600 farmers statewide applied for funding, reflecting the program’s importance to the agricultural community. All applicants will be notified by the end of December about the approval status of their projects.
