Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Feb. 21, 2025) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $292,722 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

• Kentucky Halal Meats, LLC was approved up to $1,350 in state funds for consultation fees as part of the Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program. For more information, contact Ergash Aripov at aripov.ergash@gmail.com. 

• Metcalfe County 4-H Council, Incorporated was approved up to $2,063 in Metcalfe County funds to purchase 40 hams for the Metcalfe Co. 4-H members. For more information, contact Allison Clemmons at Allison.caffee@yahoo.com. 

State Programs

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. 

Six On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs, totaling $53,591, were approved in the following counties:

• Breckenridge ($10,300)

• Carlisle ($10,300)

• Graves ($5,181)

• Ohio ($7,210)

• Rockcastle ($10,300)

• Union ($10,300)

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.

Two CAIPs, totaling $176,718, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Floyd ($76,718)

• Jessamine ($100,000)*

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, totaling $12,500, was approved by the board in Hardin County.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) 

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

One YAIP, totaling $30,000, was approved by the board in Casey County.

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. 

One Shared-Use Equipment Program, totaling $16,500, was approved by the board in Mercer County.

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.