Fruit and Vegetable

Who is a Fruit and Vegetable Producer?

For the purposes of TAEP, an eligible Fruit and Vegetable operation is involved in the production of produce for sale and is aimed at increasing profitability of the operation.

• Fruit and Vegetable grower
• Pumpkin producers
• Viticulture - grape production only

Fruit and Vegetable Producer Cost Share Opportunities

Standard Producer – 35% Cost Share - $12,000 Reimbursement Maximum

All approved applicants with Fruit & Vegetable projects are eligible for 35% cost share. There are no special requirements for 35% cost share.

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

To be eligible for 50% cost share, approved applicant must complete special requirements prior to the program reimbursement request deadline of August 1, 2024. The name registered for the special requirement must be the same name as the individual applying for cost share funding.

Special Requirements for 50% Cost Share

Fruit & Vegetable Special Requirements – applicant must complete one of the following options to qualify for 50%

Option #1: Fruit & Vegetable educational courses (2) – applicant must attend two eligible events; see special requirements list

Option #2: UT Master Farm Manager, UT Master Farm Family Health & Wellness, or TSU New Farmer Academy

Option #3: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) – applicant must have GAP certification and current letter of compliance at time of reimbursement

• Applicant must have participated in special requirements from 2020-2024.

• The name registered for the special requirement must be the same name as the individual applying for cost share funding.

• The Producer Diversification Special Requirements List will be updated when new courses added.

What Fruit and Vegetable Projects Qualify for TAEP?

The proposed activity/project must encompass quality expansion or improvement of the applicant’s farm and business. The eligible categories are: farm infrastructure, specialty equipment and marketing.

Competitive Projects - Fruit and Vegetable:
• Priority is given to long-term projects that focus on improving or increasing production.
• Marketing projects that are long-term in nature are allowed but are not considered as competitive as those involving production.
• Only complete applications that include sufficient information will be considered for evaluation.

Approved applicants will receive a revised budget with reimbursement documentation. The revised budget indicates approved items per committee review, cost share allocation amount, and status of special requirement participation. All committee decisions are final.