Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Jan. 17, 2025) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $2,501,264 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

"The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board continues to be a good steward of the Tobacco Master Settlement money,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Chair Jonathan Shell. “The projects approved today will continue to strengthen the economic viability of Kentucky agriculture creating benefits for farm families and the state as a whole.”

County and State Funded Projects

•     Community Farm Alliance, Inc. was approved up to $868,008 in state funds over a two-year period to continue supporting market and nutrition incentives, increasing access to local food for low income populations, and leveraging federal funds to support the food and farming systems in Kentucky. For more information, contact Myrisa Christy at myrusa@cfaky.org. 

•     Kentucky State Beekeepers Association was approved up to $109,000 in state funds over a two-year period to support the Certified Kentucky Honey Program. For more information, contact Jessica Mayes at jmayes741@gmail.com. 

•     Rockcastle County Conservation District was approved up to $3,212 in Rockcastle County funds to purchase exhaust fans for the fairgrounds. For more information, contact Mark Dyehouse at mark-dyehouse@icloud.com. 

•     Rockcastle County Conservation District was approved up to $3,367 in Rockcastle County funds to purchase livestock panels for the fairgrounds. For more information, contact Mark Dyehouse at mark-dyehouse@icloud.com. 

County Programs

County Agricultural Incentive 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.

Eleven CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $1,435,177:

•     Bracken ($322,536)
•     Breckinridge ($300,000)
•     Daviess ($58,575)*
•     Estill ($80,000)
•     Fayette ($225,000)
•     Grant ($12,000)*
•     Lewis ($199,007)
•     McLean ($65,487)*
•     Pike ($4,000)*
•     Rowan ($91,000)
•     Simpson ($77,572)

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. 

One DAR was approved by the board in the following county totaling $2,500.

•     Garrard ($2,500)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $80,000.

•     Bracken ($20,000)
•     Grant ($10,000)
•     Madison ($50,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.