The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is rolling out the fourth installment of its Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost-share program. Announced earlier this week, the initiative offers half the funds for equipment investments, aiming to bolster the state's agricultural foundations.
Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt weighed in on the program's benefits, saying, "This new round of funding will help support jobs and enable producers to build resilience." The application period opens its doors from December 10 through December 31, 2025, as reported by a press release from the TDA. Interested individuals can find application details and other resources on the TDA FARM webpage.
There's a preparatory session in the form of an informational webinar scheduled for December 2, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m. Central time. This webinar is free, but registration is necessary. Potential applicants can sign up for the session online and gain insight into the FARM initiative's scope and application process.
A cool $3.3 million is up for grabs this round with a maximum award cap of $250,000 per project. All equipment purchases must align with federal procurement rules, and every project must cross the finish line by August 31, 2026. Prospective applicants will be assessed based on factors including economic impact, project readiness, benefits to the agricultural supply chain, and the ability to successfully complete the project. Unlike loans, FARM funds are reimbursement-based and will not need to be repaid.
Detailed program guidelines, frequently asked questions, and a user guide will be available to applicants throughout the application window on the FARM webpage. This initiative is part of the state's ongoing investment in its agricultural infrastructure, aimed at not just improving current systems but also ensuring their sustainability and resilience for the future.
