Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

SHELBYVILLE (March 18, 2022) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,188,339 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

"Each month the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board comes together to make investments to keep our agricultural industry diversified," Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles said. "From the smallest awards funded to the largest, all have the opportunity to change an agricultural producer's well being and livelihood."

County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP)

CAIP provides Kentucky agricultural producers with cost-share assistance on practices to allow them to improve and diversify their current farm operations. CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas, including, but not limited to, bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value-added production.

Nine CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $1,032,714:

• Bath ($263,799)*
• Carter ($33,756)*
• Jessamine ($24,500)
• Logan ($76,447)
• Madison ($235,000)
• Owen ($50,000)
• Rowan ($103,712)
• Spencer ($135,500)
• Taylor ($110,000)

   

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

TheDeceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers.

Three DAR Programs were approved by the board totaling $15,000:

• Bath ($5,000)
• LaRue ($2,500)
• Mason ($7,500)

Shared-Use Equipment Program
The Shared-Use Equipment Program assists broad-based community organizations with the purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased is made available for producer use in a specific county on a leased basis.

Two Shared-Use programs were approved by the board totaling $25,625:

• LaRue ($17,250)
• Pulaski ($8,375)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)
YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIP programs were approved by the board totaling $115,000:

• Bath ($30,000)
• Logan ($70,000)
• Owen ($15,000)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP, NextGen, and YAIP will be advertised locally.

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.