Do You Have TAEP Feedback? Share Your Suggestions Now

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is requesting input on the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) through an online survey. TAEP has transformed the state’s rural economy by helping farmers make strategic investments to increase their efficiency, safety, and profitability.

With the survey responses, TDA plans to identify opportunities to improve cost share offerings and set the program’s future strategic direction. Farmers and producers, agribusiness affiliates, extension agents, agricultural educators, industry association representatives, and others are invited to participate in the survey.

TAEP provides cost share dollars to agricultural producers for the purpose of making long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make positive economic impact in their communities.

“TAEP has made a real difference and has been a true resource for rural Tennessee,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M said. “We want to ensure that the program continues to serve producers’ needs by helping them adapt to the rapidly-changing production environment and marketplace.”

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Human Dimensions Research Lab, the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture, and TDA collaborated to prepare the TAEP survey. The survey is available online here and will be accessible now through March 27. It can be completed in less than 15 minutes.

For more information on the evaluation and survey of TAEP, contact Keith Harrison by emailing keith.harrison@tn.gov or by calling 615-837-5336.