Veteran Farmers

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is proud to support those who have served our country and now serve our land. This page connects veteran farmers with programs, funding opportunities, training, and organizations dedicated to helping veterans succeed in agriculture. Whether you’re just getting started or growing your operation, we’re here to help you thrive.

Navigating permits is an important step for any farmer. Depending on the type of farm you operate, you may need specific permits for areas like livestock, processing, pesticide use, water usage, or agritourism. These permits help ensure your farm meets safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, and they can also open doors to grants and business opportunities.

Setting up a New Business in Tennessee

Connect with Local Agricultural Offices

Know the Rules and Regulations

Apply for Relevant Licenses and Certifications

Plant Certifications

  • Greenhouse License
  • Nursey License
  • Plant Dealer License
  • Florist License
  • Landscaper License
  • Wild Plant Collector License
  • Sweet Potato License
  • Turfgrass license
  • Phytosanitary Certification

All Plant Certification Forms

NOTE: You do not need a license to grow cut flowers in TN. Nursey and greenhouse licenses are the only licenses where an inspection is required BEFORE issuance of license.

Pesticides Certifications and Licenses

Feed, Seed, Fertilizer and Grain

Horticulture

Weights and Measures

NOTE: Be sure to check with your local government for any additional licenses or certifications that may be required for your farm.

Education is a key part of building a successful farm operation. Whether you're a new or experienced farmer, staying informed about best practices, new technologies, and changing regulations can make a big difference. From workshops and certification programs to online courses and mentorship opportunities, there are many ways to keep learning and growing.

Eligible Master Courses by TAEP Program

How to Start a Farm (USDA)

University Provided Opportunities

  • Tennessee AgVOLS

AgVOLs Veterans in Ag | UT Center of Farm Management

  • UT Center for Profitable Agriculture

Center for Profitable Agriculture

  • UT Center of Farm Management

Center of Farm Management

Building a Farm Business

  • Tennessee State University New Farmer Academy

Tennessee New Farmer Academy

Workbooks

Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP)

SCOPE: Programs include Dairy Solutions, Genetics, Hay Storage, Hay Equipment, Livestock Equipment, Livestock Solutions, Poultry Grower, Row Crop Solutions, Swine Producer, Working Structures & Fence-line Systems, and Producer Diversification (agritourism, fruit & vegetable, honey bee, horticulture, organics, and value-added products). 

Ag Enterprise Fund (AEF)

SCOPE: Projects funded by the Agricultural Enterprise Fund must match the description of at least one of the following four categories. Many projects will potentially match the description of more than one category and applicants should indicate so on their application.

Increase in Farm Income - This category includes projects that will increase farm income by offering farmers higher commodity prices than other markets, processing value-added products for farmers, or allowing a single farmer to add value to their own farm products.

Increased Access to Markets - This category includes projects that will create or expand a market for Tennessee farmers or forest landowners, including reducing miles that farmers must transport their products to market or creating a new market entirely. 

Increased Capacity - This category includes projects that will expand the capacity of an existing agricultural, food, or forestry business, including their production or processing capacity or the number of employees.

Agricultural Innovation - This category is appropriate for entrepreneurs who wish to market a new technological innovation with the potential to impact Tennessee agriculture or the forestry industry by creating efficiencies in production, reducing costs, etc.

AgTrack

SCOPE: Projects funded by the AgTrack Cost Share Fund must match the description of at least one of the following four categories. Many projects will potentially match the description of more than one category and applicants should indicate so on their application.

Increase in Farm Income - This category includes projects that will increase farm income by offering farmers higher commodity prices than other markets, processing value-added products for farmers, or allowing a single farmer to add value to their own farm products.

Increased Access to Markets - This category includes projects that will create or expand a market for Tennessee farmers or forest landowners, including reducing miles that farmers must transport their products to market or creating a new market entirely.

Increased Capacity - This category includes projects that will expand the capacity of an existing agricultural, food, or forestry business, including their production or processing capacity or the number of employees.

Agricultural Innovation - This category is appropriate for entrepreneurs who wish to market a new technological innovation with the potential to impact Tennessee agriculture or the forestry industry by creating efficiencies in production, reducing costs, etc.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI)

SCOPE: Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains and other row crops for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.

Farmers Market Grant

SCOPE: The purpose of the Statewide Agricultural Farmers Market Grant Program is to increase income to Tennessee farmers by providing assistance for the promotion, marketing, and/or improvement of farmers markets in communities throughout Tennessee.

Producer Association Grant

SCOPE: The purpose of the Statewide Agricultural Producer Association Grant Program is to increase income to Tennessee farmers by providing assistance for eligible activities conducted by statewide agricultural producer associations in Tennessee.

Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG)

SCOPE: The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).”  Projects must show a benefit to the specialty crop industry. This program is not designed for start-ups or projects that only benefit one operation.

Other TDA Grants through outside organizations:

Farmer Innovation Network – Ag Launch

SCOPE: The Farmer Innovation Network (FIN) is a national community of forward-thinking farmers who receive specialized training and participate in curated networking events. These opportunities are designed to empower farmers with a stronger, more equitable role in shaping the future of agricultural innovation. Training topics include:

  •  Understanding venture capital
  • Bringing ideas to market
  • Protecting farmer data
  • Monetizing ecosystem services, among others

Farm to Food Bank

SCOPE: The Tennessee Food Bank Association (TFBA) is a coalition of 5 regional Feeding America food banks working together to address hunger in Tennessee. The TFBA enables food banks to better provide a healthy and adequate food supply for people in need by:

  • Providing a mechanism for communication among member food banks
  • Assisting member food banks in the acquisition of food
  • Informing member food banks about legislation that impacts on hunger programs and suggesting appropriate action
  • Developing public awareness about hunger issues and the role of food banks in combating hunger
  • Seeking sources of state and federal funding, food, and resources to address food insecurity
  • Building alliances and other relationships that advance the mission of the TFBA and its affiliated food banks

Several important veterans’ benefits are outlined in the State Benefits for Veterans in Tennessee report issued by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.

You can access the full document |State Benefits for Veterans in Tennessee (2021)

We’ve also highlighted key programs and provided direct links to them below for your convenience.

College Scholarships

Veteran Preference Programs

Job-related benefits

Tax exemptions

Federal Surplus

Best use: Acquisition / procurement

Federal Surplus

Veteran Small Business Certification

Pick TN Products

Best use: Marketing / exposure / market place / networking

Apply Pick Tennessee Products Application

Pick Tennessee Products Partners with Homegrown By Heroes

Agricultural Sales Tax Exemption

Sales and Use Tax - Agricultural Exemption

Become a Veteran Ready Business in Tennessee – Program Overview |The Tennessee Department of Veteran Services (TDVS) proudly presents the Tennessee Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program. This program aims to recognize businesses in Tennessee that go above and beyond to Recruit, Hire, and Retain service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). It also allows businesses to honor our military community's invaluable service and sacrifices.

TN Agriculture Marketing and Branding Programs

·       Pick TN Products

·       Homegrown By Heroes - FARMER VETERAN COALITION

TN Agriculture Industry Partners

·       Farm Credit

·       Tennessee Farm Bureau

·       TN Farm Link | Helping farm seekers and farmland owners find each other

·       University of TN Extension

·       TN State University Extension

TN Producer Associations

·       Farmer Veteran Coalition | Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America

·       Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN

·       Middle Tennessee Nursery Association

·       National Cotton Council

·       Second Harvest Food Bank

·       Tennessee Agritourism Association

·       Tennessee Association of Farmers Markets

·       Tennessee Beef Industry Council

·       Tennessee Beekeepers Association

·       Tennessee Cattlemen's Association

·       Tennessee Christmas Growers Association

·       Tennessee Corn

·       Tennessee Dairy Producers Association

·       Tennessee Feed and Grain Association

·       Tennessee Forage and Grassland Council

·       Tennessee Forestry Association

·       Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Association

·       Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association

·       Tennessee Organic Growers Association

·       Tennessee Pork Producers Association

·       Tennessee Poultry Association

·       Tennessee Soybeans

·       Tennessee Wines

Hear from three veterans about their journey from military service to farming in Tennessee, the programs that helped them, and their advice for others.

Charley Jordan

Q: Why did you choose to put your business in Tennessee?
A: I decided many years ago that Tennessee would be my home after the military. It offers great opportunities and benefits for agriculturally based small businesses.

Q: Have you used any Tennessee state initiatives, programs, grants, or benefits that support agriculture?
A: Yes, I have utilized just about every program offered for agriculture in Tennessee and beyond.

Q: What is your advice for a veteran looking to get into agriculture in Tennessee?
A: Reach out to your nearest agricultural extension office and research what the state offers for veterans in agriculture.

Nick Nicholls

Q: How soon after your military service did you enter agriculture?
A: About four years after retiring from the Army, I began keeping bees again. I needed a way to cope with PTSD, and beekeeping has been a comforting experience.

Q: Is there a military-offered program or benefit you wish you had taken advantage of?
A: I wish I had completed Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training while on active duty. My training in Preventive Medicine and Civil Affairs gave me a strong foundation for agriculture.

Q: Have you used any veteran-related initiatives, programs, grants, or benefits for agriculture?
A: Yes. We have received grants from the Farmer Veteran Coalition, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Q: Have you used any Tennessee state agricultural programs?
A: Yes, we’ve used TAEP (Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program) and the Pick Tennessee / Homegrown by Heroes programs.

Q: How have you used these programs?
A:

  • TAEP: Helped with farm operation expansion. It’s a 50% cost-share program, which gives us greater buying power.
  • Pick Tennessee / Homegrown by Heroes: Helps us market our honey as a local Tennessee product and identify ourselves as a veteran-owned producer.

Q: What do you wish you had known before using Tennessee’s programs?
A: The programs are clearly explained, and the Department of Agriculture staff are very helpful and accessible.

Q: Were you awarded these programs on your first application?
A: Yes, because we submitted well-written applications that addressed all program requirements.

Q: What advice do you have for veterans entering agriculture in Tennessee?
A:

  • Join the Farmer Veteran Coalition Tennessee chapter.
  • Register with your county USDA FSA office.
  • Connect with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for your specific sector.
  • Attend the Tennessee New Farmer Academy.
  • Visit the Tennessee State Fair or the Pick Tennessee Conference.

Q: Are you willing to assist veterans with grant applications?
A: Absolutely. We believe we need every farmer we can get, and we’re happy to help others apply for grants.

Rory Williams

Q: How soon after your military service did you enter agriculture?
A: I retired in the spring of 2015, and my wife and I immediately began looking for a farm. Within three years, we had land, cattle, goats, horses, a donkey, chickens, and a new home.

Q: Did your military experience prepare you for agriculture?
A: Yes. Beyond discipline and work ethic, the Army taught me how to talk to anyone — whether it’s telling my story, promoting my products, or connecting with others about their farming dreams.

Q: Is there a program or benefit you wish you had used earlier?
A: Yes. I wish I had taken advantage of low-interest loans for new and beginning farmers and veterans sooner, and made more use of TAEP.

Q: Are you willing to mentor veterans interested in agriculture?
A: Yes. I’m happy to share my experiences, offer resources for beginning farmers, and even speak to veteran groups about agriculture.