AEF Application Scoring
Applications will be reviewed by both Department of Agriculture and Department of Economic and Community Development staff using the following criteria:
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Project Location | The project is in an at-risk or distressed county, or is in a county that adjoins an at-risk or distressed county. | 25 |
| Effect on the Local Economy | The project impacts the local economy through one or more of the four categories; this includes the ability to measure the impact. | 25 |
| Impact on Tennessee Agriculture or Forestry Industry | This project impacts Tennessee agriculture or forestry because it serves a large number of farmers or forest landowners, creates a market; impacts production through technology, or purchases Tennessee commodities or forest products from Tennessee farmers and forest landowners. | 25 |
| Applicant's Readiness to Complete Project | The applicant is adequately prepared to move forward with the project within 18 months of being awarded funds. Applicant has secured funding, location, has a business plan, etc. | 25 |