Kentucky Department of Agriculture office supports grants, loans for farmers

FRANKFORT (Jan. 16, 2024) - Brandon Reed, of Hodgenville, has been named the new executive director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP), Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has announced.

“Brandon Reed’s experience and dedication to the agricultural community are the perfect fit to lead the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy,” Commissioner Shell said. “Brandon is a strong asset for KDA and we look forward to his leadership as we continue to focus on the future of agriculture in Kentucky.”

“I am truly blessed and excited to join Commissioner Jonathan Shell and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture as the new Director of Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy,” Reed said. “For two decades, the KOAP has developed a culture of helping farmers diversify their operations to provide food, fiber, and shelter for us all. Commissioner Shell’s passion for agriculture is second to none, and I’m honored to be a part of this great legacy of living to serve.”

Reed, who is a farmer and an ordained minister, most recently served as a Kentucky State Representative for 24th House District serving Hart, LaRue and Green counties. As a member of the House Reed served on various committees including vice chair of House Appropriations, and House Committees on Agriculture; Revenue; Local Government; and Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. He also served on the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee.

During his tenure, his legislative accomplishments included providing funding to deliver broadband to the state’s unserved and underserved areas, to strengthening state and local economic development opportunities, and drawing attention to the need for mental health and suicide support for Kentucky farmers.

Winning his first election to the House seat in 2016, Reed was in the final year of his fourth term when he was selected to serve as the executive director of the Office of Agricultural Policy under Commissioner Shell.

As executive director of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy, Reed and his staff provide support to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation provide grants, incentives, and low-interest loans to help farmers and agribusinesses innovate and grow using the funds from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

Reed studied political science at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Olivia, live on their fifth generation LaRue County family farm with their three children, where they raise cattle and lease out row crops.