Agritourism

Who is an Agritourism Producer?

For the purposes of TAEP, an eligible Agritourism working farm offers on-the-farm experiences relating to production agriculture of food and/or fiber for a fee and is aimed at increasing profitability of the operation.

• Farm education (tours of production agriculture)
• Farm activities (pick your own, fee-fishing)
• Farm fun (corn maze, hay rides)
• Farm purchases (retail sales of farm’s agricultural products)

Agritourism Producer Cost Share Opportunities

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

All approved applicants with Agritourism 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

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

Option #1: Agritourism 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

• 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 are added.

What Agritourism 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 -- Agritourism:
• Priority is given to projects focusing on long-term public use considerations which increase opportunities for profitability.

• Preference will be given to projects that focus on agricultural education and production over agricultural entertainment/other. Examples of agricultural entertainment/other includes but is not limited to: weddings, concerts, bed and breakfasts, farm stays, campgrounds, canoe rentals, trail rides, playgrounds, parks, event centers, concert venues etc.

• 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.