Kentucky Proud has made great strides -
but it's just scratched the surface

 

 

Commissioner Richie Farmer

 

Following is Commissioner Farmer's message for the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board's upcoming annual report:

 

As vice chair of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and chairman of the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation, I have been pleased to play a role in helping to diversify Kentucky’s agricultural industry.  Diversification enables Kentucky farmers to take advantage of emerging agricultural opportunities – a necessity in this time of constant change.

 

I especially want to commend the KADB for its support of the Kentucky Proud program.  The Board has seen fit to invest about $8 million in the state’s official farm marketing program, and the efforts of my marketing staff have helped turn that investment into some $250 million in retail sales of Kentucky farm products through Kentucky Proud member retailers in the past three years.  A University of Kentucky report published in November 2008 said that every $1 invested in Kentucky Proud generated up to $4.70 in new income for Kentucky farmers.

 

I feel that we’ve only scratched the surface of Kentucky Proud’s potential to help Kentucky farmers prosper.  Kentucky Proud and other innovative programs funded by the Board are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all Kentuckians.  I eagerly look forward to working with my fellow Board members to continue this successful and important project.