Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy

FRANKFORT (June 11, 2018) — The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) board has announced Cindy Finneseth, Ph.D., as its new executive director. Since 2001, the Kentucky Horticulture Council has been funded in part by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) to conduct important research, support new and existing producers and provide market analysis for Kentucky’s growing horticulture industry. KHC’s support for the industry is provided in cooperation with the University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the Food Connection.

“We are excited about the future of KHC with Cindy’s leadership and guidance. Dr. Finneseth’s experience with KCARD and her big-picture view of the horticulture industry in Kentucky make her a perfect fit. KADF is proud to partner with KHC,” said Warren Beeler, executive director of the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy.

“KHC is important in helping develop economic opportunities, facilitating effective dialog regarding relevant legislative and regulatory issues, educating the public about our industry, and influencing the direction of horticulture research and education programs that benefit our industry,” Finneseth said. “I look forward to supporting the expanding number of specialty crop operations across the state.”

Finneseth comes to KHC after working at the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD), where she assisted producers in launching and expanding agribusinesses as well as determining enterprise feasibility and funding strategies.

“Production of food, value-added products, and non-food crops, as well as businesses providing turf and landscape services, create jobs in both our rural and urban communities,” said Finneseth. “Kentucky horticultural enterprises are known for producing and delivering high-quality products and services.”

“Cindy’s energy and excitement for horticulture will help weave the industry together and cultivate new opportunities for Kentucky producers,” said Mac Stone of Elmwood Stock Farm in Scott County, chair of the Organic Association of Kentucky.

Finneseth is a native of Whitley County and a graduate of the University of Kentucky. At KHC, she will draw on her academic background in plant and soil science and prior work at the university and in private industry focused on implementing innovative technologies and educational programs to improve assessment of seed quality and productivity in field production and post-harvest handling.

The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) is a 501(c)5 non-profit organization established to support specialty crop grower groups in Kentucky. KHC is supported through grants and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. To learn more, contact KHC at (859) 490-0889 or info@kyhortcouncil.org.