Tennessee Urban Farm and Forest (TUFF)

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture developed the Tennessee Urban Farm and Forestry (TUFF) cost share program as an opportunity to increase agricultural and forestry production in disadvantaged areas within Tennessee’s urban communities. The program will sponsor projects that improve the overall health of these communities by meeting nutritional needs, providing education about healthy food, and increasing agricultural production and forest products from urban small businesses. TUFF is made possible by the State of Tennessee’s American Rescue Plan funding through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Eligible expenses include those that support new projects or improvements to operations that are not a part of normal business operations. Projects must either:

1.     Promote the health of Tennessee’s urban communities through increased access to or education about nutritious food.

OR

2.     Aid in the expansion of urban farming and forestry small businesses through increased production of agricultural commodities and forest products.

TUFF cost share program funding will be reimbursement based and cover up to 50% of approved project expenses or a maximum amount of $250,000 and the awardee will be responsible for providing matching funds covering the remaining portion of the proposed project expenses.

Application evaluation criteria will include:

•    Project sustainability
•    Impact on the community
•    Collaboration with community partners
•    Project readiness

The application period for the third and final round of TUFF funding is April 1-15, 2024.

Questions? Contact the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Business Development Division at business.development@tn.gov.