TDA Now Accepting Aquaculture Grant Applications

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Tennessee Aquaculture Grant Program. The program will assist producers who suffered financial losses associated with high feed costs. Funding for this program is made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“Farmers have been affected by the difficult economy of the past couple of years,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “I’m glad we’re able to provide these Recovery Act funds to help grow and diversify our agricultural industry.”

Aquaculture producers eligible for reimbursement funds include those who experienced a 25 percent increase in feed costs for the 2008 calendar year. Eligible aquaculture species include: catfish, prawns, tilapia, trout and others approved by TDA.

“Feed costs are often the most financially draining input in regards to aquaculture production,” said Rob Beets, Aquaculture Marketing Specialist. “The more than $55,000 will provide relief to those producers experiencing this financial hardship.”

Applications must be received by TDA no later than 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30. They may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Ellington Agricultural Center, P.O. Box 40627, Nashville, TN 37204 to the attention of Rob Beets.

All funds will be distributed to approved producers by the end of December.

For more information, contact the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at 615-837-5517. For a copy of the guidelines and application, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture/marketing/aquaculture.html. For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit www.tnrecovery.gov.