Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, this funding aims to boost production for small farming and forestry businesses while increasing access to nutritious food in Tennessee’s urban areas.
For this round of TUFF funding, TDA received 19 applications, with funding requests totaling over $3.3 million.
Approximately $4 million was allocated to support the TUFF program, made possible by the State of Tennessee’s American Rescue Plan funding through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.
The total requests for support from the cost share program exceeded $6.5 million.
Applications were independently scored by three TDA staff members and then re-evaluated by a larger group of TDA staff with agribusiness expertise.
An independent consulting firm provided advice on the application, scorecard, and data management throughout the process.
The following businesses have been awarded funding in this round:
– **Mayfield Lumber Co., Warren County**: Expansion of a lumber storage building.
– **Dickson County Government, Dickson County**: Establishment of a regional agricultural center.
– **Friends of Mill Ridge Park, Davidson County**: Increasing community access to fresh food.
– **Demcor Inc., Cocke County**: Purchase of mulch producing equipment.
– **Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency, Wilson County**: Construction of a food storage building.
These investments are expected to enhance the capacity and infrastructure of small agricultural businesses and improve food security in Tennessee’s urban communities.