Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

GEORGETOWN (Oct. 10, 2024) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,030,393.62 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Creating more diversity in our agricultural landscape builds a stronger future for our state,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Jonathan Shell. “The projects awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board are a direct step toward fostering that diversity. Together, we are shaping a stronger future and a better tomorrow.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Alvios Cuban Meats, LLLP was approved up to $2,243 in state funds for a third-party audit, as a part of the Food Safety & Efficiency Incentives Program. Funding will be used to work with a consultant, from the ALSCO Food Check Team to complete a third-party audit that is required to sell products to WHAT Chefs Want. For more information, contact Elaisy Lapinet at alvioscubanmeats@gmail.com. 

• Legacy Mobile Veterinary Services was approved up to $7,205 in multi-county funds and up to $36,025 in state funds to purchase X-ray equipment, a generator, and an ultrasound machine as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program. For more information, contact Elise S. Hollis at Legacymobilevet@gmail.com. 

• Skinner Farms LLC was approved up to $10,000 in Shelby County funds and $6,174.62 in state funds to purchase a walk-in freezer to increase its freezer storage on its farm. For more information, contact Daniel L. Skinner at skinnerfarmspoultry@gmail.com. 

• University Of Kentucky Research Foundation was approved up to $300,513 in state funds over a two-year period to fund three full-time value chain coordinators who would work with farmers, processors, distributors, and buyers to get Kentucky farm food to mid- to large-scale buyers. For more information, contact Kim C. Carter at ospa@uky.edu. 

State Program

On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program

The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program provides incentives for Kentucky farm families to increase the energy efficiency of existing equipment or facilities on the farm. 

Seven On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs were approved by the board totaling $77,162:

• Barren ($9,229) 

• Daviess ($10,300)

• Hancock ($19,802)

• Monroe ($10,300) 

• Taylor ($10,300) 

• Washington ($10,300)

• Webster ($6,931)

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, beef and dairy cattle; farm infrastructure, fencing, and water enhancement; equine; forage; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; bees and honey; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; marketing; and value-added production.

Five CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $556,071:

• Caldwell ($111,697)

• Henry ($26,000)*

• Martin ($95,072)

• Mercer ($18,302)*

• Scott ($305,000)

Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen)

NextGen addresses the growing need for a specialized program that would benefit producers ages 18 to 40 that have been engaged in an agricultural operation for a minimum of three years. 

One NextGen was approved by the board in the following county totaling $25,000.

• Scott ($25,000)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

One YAIP was approved by the board in the following county totaling $10,000.

• Caldwell ($10,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.