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FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has made changes to its advertising and market development cost-share programs to make it easier for Kentucky horticulture producers to get cost-share funds.
Applications for both programs have been improved to be more user-friendly, said Mac Stone, director of the Division of Value-Added Plant Production. Producers now may apply for cost-sharing funds from November 2004 to September 2005 for eligible expenses incurred at anytime during calendar 2005. The new process eliminates the need for applicants to fit their expenditures into a specific period of time, or round.
Stone urged applicants to read the new applications carefully to avoid a delay in processing.
The advertising cost share program provides a dollar-for-dollar match to assist marketers in advertising and promoting the sales of Kentucky-grown horticulture products. Producers can receive a cost-share match of up to $4,000 per calendar year. All advertisements must contain the “Kentucky Proud” logo to qualify. The program can help pay for signs, placemats for restaurants, radio spots, business cards, flyers, newspaper ads and other items.
The market development program has been revamped to support the development and improvement of new and emerging markets for Kentucky horticulture products. Market development cost-share funds now may be applied to trade shows, selected conferences and targeted marketing meetings. A trade show visit may be funded for up to $1,500 with the applicant providing 25 percent of the total cost. The program offers dollar-for-dollar matching funds for market development meetings (up to $1,000) and conferences (up to $750).
To obtain an application, contact the Division of Value-Added Plant Production at (502) 564-4983 or log on to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Web site at www.kyagr.com and click on Horticulture on the pull-down menu.
The programs are funded by a grant from the Kentucky Horticulture Council.
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