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FRANKFORT, Ky. — A federal grant will help the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Kentucky State University research the potential market for value-added aquaculture products, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced.
The $52,610 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will enable the KDA, in cooperation with KSU’s Aquaculture Research Center, to explore the market for high-value smoked products from farm-raised catfish, hybrid striped bass and paddlefish. The grant was one of 27 grants totaling more than $1.3 million for projects in 25 states.
“Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing segments of agriculture,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Many Kentucky farmers have taken up fish farming to help make up for the loss of tobacco income. This funding will help them and others who are thinking about aquaculture on their farms. We are grateful for this grant.”
The project is one of many KDA initiatives to create economic opportunities for Kentucky farmers. The Department’s marketing office runs the Kentucky Proud program to help farmers find markets for their products. It provides financial and technical assistance to Kentucky nurseries, garden centers and farmers’ markets and helps Kentucky food businesses exhibit at trade shows. The marketing office also is authorized to certify organic farms on behalf of the USDA. Commissioner Farmer strongly supports the growth of the biofuels processing industry in Kentucky to provide a stable market for Kentucky corn and soybean growers and create new jobs.
Cash receipts to Kentucky farmers totaled a record $4.13 billion in 2004. University of Kentucky economists say that record might be broken this year. Economists say an increase of $100,000 in farm sales creates up to five new jobs and up to $200,000 in additional economic growth.
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