NASHVILLE — Funds to evaluation exports of Tennessee’s hardwooden Shall revenue the wooden merchandise enterprise statewide and strengthen worldwide markets. The Tennessee Division of Agriculture (TDA) has been awarded an Rising Markets Program (EMP) grant from the USDA Overseas Agricultural Service To consider Tennessee hardwooden viability in Vietnam.

TDA will acquire roughly $200,000 beneath the EMP grant. Funds Shall be used to conduct a evaluation mission to Vietnam To fulfill with furnishings producers to survey current chain wants, species and grade preferences, and current Tennessee hardwooden utilization.

Dr. Andrew Muhammad Collectively with TDA Industry Enchancment consultants will conduct and compile the evaluation. Dr. Muhammad is an agricultural economist and the Blasingame Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Coverage On the College of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA).

“The evaluation That is now potential with the EMP funding Might have an influence throughout Tennessee – from our largest sawmill to our smallest forest landowner,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “We respect the assist from USDA and the partnership with UTIA to make significant and prolonged-lasting efforts like this potential.”

An further evaluation mission will Happen in Tennessee with Vietnamese furnishings producers to tour wooden supplier amenities, educate producers on product availability, and create current chain connections. Research and evaluation of the Vietnamese wooden merchandise market will complement the commerce mission actions.

“It’s fulfilling To steer evaluation that influences choice-makers and enterprise individuals,” Dr. Muhammad said. “This EMP enterprise Is An excellent evaluation alternative Which will inform how Tennessee can enhance wooden product exports to Vietnam.”

The Tennessee Division of Agriculture’s mission is to serve the residents of Tennessee by promoting accountable makes use of of our agricultural and forest assets, creating financial alternatives, and making sure protected and reliable meals and fiber. Go to www.tn.gov/agenterprisedevelopment to study extra.