Volunteer State News

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has announced the recipients of the AgTrack cost share fund. This competitive grant program provides financial support to agricultural, food, and forestry businesses, as well as nonprofits and local governments in Tennessee or those with projects located in the state. The focus is on value-added and processing projects that benefit producers or forest landowners.

Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., highlighted the program's objectives: “Creating jobs and fostering economic growth remain central goals for incentive programs like AgTrack. This initiative targets businesses with the ability to enhance farm income, expand market opportunities, or boost capacity. The impact of the program's funding benefits communities and cities throughout the state.”

The businesses receiving AgTrack funding include:

- Citizen Soda Fountain Company, LLC in Knox County for food manufacturing

- Clinch River Hardwoods in Grainger County for forest products

- Decatur County Government for an agricultural event arena

- East Nashville Beer Works in Wilson County for a brewery

- Franklin Farmers Market in Williamson County for a farmers market

- Havco Wood Products in Monroe County for forest products

- Hempitecture in Hawkins County for fiber manufacturing

- Johnson County Government for a meat processor

- McGuire's Flying Service in Obion County for agricultural technology

- Monroe County Government for an agricultural event arena

- Sweetwater Valley Farm in McMinn County for food manufacturing

- Unaka Forest Products, Inc. in Washington County for forest products

- Vergos International Products, Inc. in Shelby County for food manufacturing

- Vonore Fiber Products in Monroe County for ag tech

- Wild Spaces, LLC in Knox County for a brewery

The next application deadline is March 30, 2025. Interested parties can find more information online at www.tn.gov/AgTrack or contact business.development@tn.gov or call (615) 837-5160.