NASHVILLE — The state of Tennessee recently announced that more than $951,000 would be allocated to 28 agricultural, food and forestry businesses using its Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF).

“The Ag Enterprise Fund has made recognizable improvements in Tennessee’s ag and forestry industries in just four years,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “The strategic investments from this program improve the local food supply chain, create new market opportunities for producers, and lead to strong economic impact in our communities.”

The state government said the funds are intended to aid those who demonstrate measurable impacts on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity or agricultural innovation. Priority for the funding was given to businesses located in or adjacent to economically at-risk or distressed counties. 

US Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher said agricultural businesses and entrepreneurs should contact the business development office in the state to apply for the assistance.

One company, Kinser Processing in Grainger County, Tenn., plans to purchase equipment for a new meat processing business.  

“After recognizing the need and demand for meat processing in our area, we decided to develop a new business to fill in the gap for other nearby farmers,” said Susan Kinser of Kinser Processing. “The Ag Enterprise Fund will enable us to have processing capacity to support our city, our county, and our region.”

The following livestock feed and meat processors received funds for their projects:

•    All American Meat Processing, Giles County – Meat Processing

•    Century Harvest Farms, Blount County – Meat Processing

•    Circle S Farms, Wilson County – Meat Processing

•    D&D Meats Inc., Clay County – Meat Processing

•    Friend Valley Ranch, Hancock County – Meat Processing

•    Gary Swafford Farm, Bledsoe County – Meat Processing

•    Ghyers Timber and Sawmill, Henry County – Forest Products

•    Hancock Custom Processing, LLC, Morgan County – Meat Processing

•    Hassell & Hughes Lumber Co., Wayne County – Forest Products

•    Honey Haven Butcher Shop, McMinn County – Meat Processing

•    Kinser Processing, Grainger County – Meat Processing

•    Kenny Bob's Foods, Inc., Robertson County – Food Manufacturing

•    Laurel Hill Meat Processing, Henry County – Meat Processing

•    Linda's Rabbit Processing, LLC, Knox County – Meat Processing

•    Pilaroc Farms, Lincoln County – Meat Processing

•    Southern Ridge Farm, LLC, Maury County – Meat Processing

•    Tennessee Grass Fed, LLC, Montgomery County – Meat Processing

•    Clear Creek Mill, Hancock County – Livestock Feed Processor