Producer Diversification – Overview

2024-2025 TAEP Application B – Producer Diversification

50% Cost Share – Maximum Reimbursement - $12,000

The amount of payment is based upon 50% of expenses incurred for eligible program items up to the program maximum.

Approved applicant will receive a revised budget with reimbursement documentation. The revised budget indicates approved items per committee review and cost share allocation amount.
All committee decisions are final.

Applicant Responsibility

It is the applicant’s responsibility to review all TAEP program requirements prior to applying for cost share. Applicant must qualify for program selected at time of application to be considered for approval.

Applicant Eligibility
Educational Requirements
Reimbursement Requirements
Verification Requirements
Applying for TAEP

Producer Diversification Overview

The goal of the Producer Diversification program is to encourage agricultural producers to expand or improve their existing working farm through the production of diversified agricultural products. This program provides cost share opportunities for industry sectors of Agritourism, Fruit & Vegetable, Honey Bee, Horticulture, Organic, and Value-Added Products. Applicant must meet basic eligibility and specific sector requirements to apply. Projects are identified by the sector in which they are eligible. Project categories include farm infrastructure, marketing, and specialized equipment.

Application Proposal, Budget, and Cost Quotes

Applicant must complete an application proposal outlining the applicant’s agricultural operation, educational requirements, marketing plan, proposed project(s), and line-item project budget(s). Written cost estimates from each vendor/supplier are also required with the application proposal.
Researching all costs associated with each proposed project is extremely important. Providing a line-item budget allows the review committee to adjust the budget if there are items requested which are not approved, allowing for a partial project approval if needed. Funding allocation is based upon the final approved budget. Allocation amounts cannot exceed the program maximums. If approved, the applicant must pay for and complete all approved projects prior to submitting their cost share reimbursement request. Only one reimbursement payment is allowed per program.

Application Evaluation

Applications are competitively evaluated by industry sector. Applications must merit financial support, clearly state objectives, provide a sound work plan, and prove applicant expertise necessary to successfully complete project(s). An onsite visit or meeting may be required as part of the evaluation process. Only complete applications which include sufficient information will be considered for evaluation. All committee decisions are final.

Proposed activities must:

•    Demonstrate significant potential for increasing farm income
•    Produce long-term benefits for the farm
•    Be market driven and have a viable marketing plan
•    Establish something new, not maintain ongoing projects
•    Meet all state and local food safety and regulatory requirements