Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (March 17, 2023) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,701,171 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The changing landscape of agriculture is dependent upon communities being able to diversify their agricultural outputs," said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The grants awarded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board goes a long way in helping make that a realization for the state’s farming future.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Adair County Cattlemen's Association, Inc. was approved $16,000 in Adair County funds to run a Youth Cost Share Program. For more information, contact tbright@uky.edu.
• Green Terrace Market was approved $33,050 in Daviess County funds to purchase refrigeration equipment. For more information, contact Johnkharralson@gmail.com.
• Kenton County Fiscal Court was approved $250,000 in state and Kenton County funds to build a farmers’ market pavilion in downtown Independence, Ky. For more information, contact scott.gunning@kentoncounty.org.
• Kentucky Department of Agriculture was approved $210,000 in state funds over a two-year period (2023-2024) to continue to support the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council (KGWC). For more information, contact tyler.madison@ky.gov.

County Programs

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 $1,091,696:

• Bath ($284,900)
• Bell ($30,000)
• Boone ($13,507)*
• Madison ($235,000)
• Mason ($66,150)*
• Montgomery ($83,000)
• Owen ($150,000)
• Rowan ($93,639)
• Spencer ($135,500)

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)
The Deceased 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.

Two DAR programs were approved by the board totaling $18,375:

• Bath ($5,000)
• Mercer ($13,375)

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 Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $32,050:

• Laurel ($15,300)
• Mercer ($16,750)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Two YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $50,000:

• Bath ($35,000)
• Mercer ($15,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.

The Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP), a division within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, provides staff support to the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC) and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF). The KADF is administered by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. KOAP ensures Kentucky is being good stewards of dollars from the 1998 Tobacco Settlement Agreement by overseeing the boards’ investments into diversifying and supporting Kentucky agriculture.