APPLY: TAEP (Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program)
Steps to Apply for TAEP 2024-2025
Step 1. Understand What TAEP is
TAEP (Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program) is a cost-share program for Tennessee residents run through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Cost share means that you will be responsible for purchasing the items first, and then TAEP will reimburse up to their 50% cost share max.
For example, if you purchase $4,000 worth of heifers through their genetics program, you will receive 50% of their cost share max which is $2,000. Their max in this category is $2,000, so even if you were to spend $6,000 in heifers you would only receive the max of $2,000. Or let's say you only spend $3,000, you would then only receive 50% totaling $1,500.
There are 2 applications within TAEP
Application A - this application is for producers involved in cattle, dairy, sheep/goats, hay, commercial poultry, row crop and commercial swine.
Application B - this application are for producers involved in agritourism, fruits & vegetables, honey bees, horticulture, organics and other value added products.
You are allowed 1 Application A and 1 Application B submission PER FARM
Step 2. Determine What you Want
You and your farm may have specific needs. Check the different programs offered through TAEP and determine what needs take priority and apply for those first. View all programs and options.
Step 3. Determine What you Qualify For
There are eligibility requirements for each application as well as each program within each application. Check the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility requirements include things like:
Citizenship, age, residency, Schedule F's, livestock number requirements and educational requirements
Do this part thoroughly! Make yourself a checklist and make sure you have marked all of the boxed before you apply. If you don't have the educational requirements needed for a specific part of the application, reach out to your county agent to see how you can gain access to the educational materials.
Educational requirements are due at time of reimbursement NOT APPLICATION, so don't panic. Just figure out what classes you need to take and make sure to get them done before you send in your reimbursement packet next spring or summer.
Step 4. Mark Your Calendar
There is no wiggle room here, the application period is October 1 - October 7 of 2024.
Keep in mind, you cannot apply until these dates! The application is fully online and will not be available for viewing until this determined time.
I don’t want people getting confused here… in order to apply you will select the red apply now button on the homepage. If it is your first time applying, once you are approved they will send you a packet which will have your assigned TPN number on it. This number can then be used to create a TAEP account where you can view your account details such as status of application and reimbursement activity. YOU DO NOT APPLY THROUGH YOUR ACCOUNT!
Once you submit your application, you have done all you can do! Now you simply wait to receive your approval letter, make sure NOT to make any purchases before you receive your approval letter, as there are no guarantees.