LYNCHBURG — A Moore County farmer is among 19 businesses awarded Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) in the latest round of grants handed out to rural communities, according to a state press release.

The Lynchburg Grain Co. – a grain storage facility owned by Daniel Gray – sits on the list announced by Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. earlier this week. Another area small business, Common John Brewery in Manchester, was also on the list.

AEF is a program that incentivizes new or expanding agricultural, food, and forestry businesses in Tennessee and supports the state’s priorities of job creation and economic growth in rural areas. Awards are made to those who demonstrate a potential for measurable impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation.

“The Agricultural Enterprise Fund is a vital resource for strengthening Tennessee’s agricultural economy and fostering innovation in our rural communities,” said Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “This program supports the growth of agricultural and forestry businesses, and we are proud to invest in these projects that have the potential to transform our state’s agricultural landscape, especially in areas that need it the most.”

The next AEF application deadline will be April 10, 2025. In total, the Agricultural Enterprise Fund has awarded nearly $11.5 million in funding to Tennessee agricultural and forestry businesses since the program’s launch in 2017. You can find more information about AEF at www.tn.gov/aef or by emailing [email protected]. •

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