Washington County Ag Partnership Producer Education Scholarship
The WCAP Producer Education scholarship awards funds for educational opportunities that help individuals build knowledge and skills they need to start, grow, or improve their agricultural business. Eligible producers must live or have their farm/business location in Washington County, TN. Priority is given to people who demonstrate a need for financial assistance, and previous recipients are not eligible to reapply for additional awards.
TDA Permitting and Labelling Requirements
Value-Added Products:
Non-TCS Foods - 2022 Tennessee Food Freedom Act - expands regulations on manufacturing goods in a home kitchen.
baked goods not requiring refrigeration (includes icings); fruit jams, jellies, preserves, and butters; naturally acidic canned fruits; candy; dried baking/spice blends; salsas, pickles, canned vegetables - processed correctly according to acid content.
More information on TDA Website
Getting started with a food business: Technical Assistance and Checklist for Starting a Food Manufacturing Business in TN
Honey - Food Manufacturing Regulations for Honey Processing, Packaging, and Storage in TN
Meat - Basic Regulatory Considerations for Retail and Non-Retail Meat Sales
Meat Product Labeling Guidance for Direct Farm Marketers
Eggs - Egg Sales in TN: Requirements and Suggested Practices for Producers with Small Flocks
**Please note that while the State of Tennessee no longer requires eggs to be washed or labeled with the farmer’s information, Boone Street Market still requires that eggs be washed, cartons are labeled with the farm name, eggs are delivered in a clean carton, and be labeled with a pack date. This is for health and traceability reasons as the eggs are stored in our walk-in cooler with other food items, including fresh produce.
Plant Nursery - TDA Permit Requirements
Sales Tax - Sales Tax in Tennessee on the Purchase and Sale of Farm Products
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
Basics - University of Minnesota Extension
Online Course with Cornell University
USDA GAP Certifications Resources
TN Farmers Markets Price Reporting
This is a great resource for pricing based on reports at farmers markets. Also contains data from other states.
***Be sure to look in the column for the appropriate market, region or area as prices can vary based on location. These prices are for first quality, “grocery store” consistent produce items. Please price accordingly if your product is smaller than average, has blemishes, etc.***
Education
Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council (ARC&D)
Center for Profitable Agriculture
National Agricultural Library (NAL)
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
University of Kentucky Farmers Market Price Reports for TN
Agricultural Education for Kids
Kremp’s Crops, Plants, and More: Learn about Agriculture!
When can I say ‘organic’?
If you’re certified organic, you can leave it at just organic. In 2023, USDA is beginning to crack down and fine operations using the terms ‘organic’ or ‘organically grown’ if they are not certified and not following NOP standards (including using non-organic seed and not keeping stringent/appropriate records).
If you’re not certified, it’s best to say ‘grown without pesticides’ or ‘grown to NOP standards’ (but only if you are truly growing to NOP standards). ‘Organically grown’ is no longer appropriate.