Second shot at TAEP for hurricane-hit farms

December opens for TAEP after Hurricane Helene

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is giving farmers a second chance to apply for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP).

This opportunity is for farmers in twelve counties including Carter and Claiborne, who could not apply during the initial phase due to the hurricane’s impact.

Commissioner Charlie Hatcher remarked on the timing of the storm, saying, “Hurricane Helene devastated upper East Tennessee just days before the scheduled TAEP application period,” acknowledging the struggles of the farming community during that period.

The application portal at www.tn.gov/taep will reopen from December 2 to 6, 2024. TAEP was initiated in 2005 to help farmers with cost-sharing opportunities that facilitate substantial investments into their farms and local economies. The October session saw over 7,600 applications, with results expected by December end.

The program supports a range of agricultural activities including Genetics, Hay Equipment, Livestock Solutions, and Producer Diversification among others, designed to improve market adaptability, operational safety, and community economic impact. Further information on TAEP and its benefits can be accessed online.