Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Oct. 20, 2023) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3,336,949 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The projects funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board continue to push forward diversification efforts across Kentucky’s agriculture pursuits,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “This strengthens our agriculture communities, which also means a stronger Kentucky.

County and State Funded Projects
• Adair County Board of Education was approved up to $50,000 in Adair County funds to support the construction of a greenhouse at the Adair County Agriculture Facility. For more information, contact Brittany Smith at brittany.smith@adair.kyschools.us.

• Berea College, Grow Appalachia was approved up to $322,260 in state funds to run the Eastern Kentucky Direct Integrated Grower Support Program (EKY-DIGS). For more information, contact Candace Mullins at mullinsc@berea.edu.

• Gate Keeper Cattle Company was approved up to $8,000 in Union County funds to aid in the purchase of equipment for the mobile meat retail business. For more information, contact John Jenkin at Gatekeepercattleco@gmail.com.

• The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD), Inc. was approved up to $900,000 in state funds over two years to deliver technical assistance and provide educational opportunities to agricultural and rural businesses. For more information, contact Brent Lackey at blackey@kcard.info.

• Kentucky State University (KSU) was approved up to $1,359,000 in state funds over a two-year period (2024-2025) to aid in continuing its KSU Mini-Grant Program to help producers across the commonwealth. For more information, contact Joni Nelson at joni.nelson@kysu.edu.

• Logan Premium Meats and Processing LLC was approved up to $3,000 in state funds to support the expenses of pursuing a Halal Certification. For more information, contact Chris Milam at Cmilam@hamptonpremiummeats.com.

• Reid’s Orchard was approved up to $10,700 in Daviess County funds to purchase a 5-ton compressor, evaporator, and cooling system for their business. For more information, contact William Reid at bhr117@aol.com.

 

State programs

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

Nine On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $72,759:

• Hancock ($10,150)
• Hancock ($10,150)
• Madison ($10,150)
• Monroe ($3,280)
• Monroe ($10,150)
• Monroe ($10,150)
• Wayne ($3,015)
• Wayne ($5,564)
• Wayne ($10,150)

Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program
Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program provides funding for Kentucky farm families, businesses, and processors to increase their efficiency and food safety protocol through sound consultation services.

One Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program was approved by the board in Laurel County totaling $3,750.

 

Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program
The Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program provides funding for Kentucky veterinarians to increase service to large and food animals in the state. Applicants may receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for eligible expenditures not to exceed more than $100,000 in state and county funds as a lifetime limit.

Two Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Programs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $158,145:

• Allen ($60,545)
• Bracken ($97,600)

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.

Four CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $384,935

• Adair ($7,500)*
• Hardin ($160,000)
• Kenton ($67,435)
• Wayne ($150,000)

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)
The DAR program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally-sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers.

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

 

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

Two YAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $51,900:

• Harrison ($1,900)*
• Madison ($50,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.