Director named for KDA's Division of Agricultural Economic Development
Strengthening, expanding Kentucky's agricultural economy top priority
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2025) – Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has announced Hunter Jones as the director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) Division of Agricultural Economic Development.
“Creating a greater economic presence within and for our agriculture community is the goal of the Agricultural Economic Development Division,” Commissioner Shell said. “Hunter’s prior experience and commitment to the growth of Kentucky farmers will be instrumental in the success of this Division. I am pleased to have him onboard and see where he can take Kentucky’s farming future.”
The Division helps administer the Kentucky Agricultural Economic Development Board, which was established this year through Senate Bill 28. The board was created to strengthen and expand Kentucky’s agricultural economy through strategic planning, targeted partnerships, and financial incentives. It will administer programs, such as grants, forgivable loans, and revolving loan funds, to support infrastructure upgrades, market expansion, and value-added agricultural development. The overall goal is to attract private investment, create new economic opportunities, and uplift farming communities throughout Kentucky.
The creation of this board is the result of Commissioner Shell’s vision that “Agriculture is Economic Development.” In 2024, Commissioner Shell conducted a statewide listening tour, hosting regional meetings with farmers, business leaders, and community stakeholders. The input gathered during those meetings shaped the priorities and design of this new initiative.
Jones, who is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, worked within KDA’s Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP) for two years prior to serving as Director of the Agricultural Economic Development Division.
The Kentucky Agricultural Economic Development Division operates KOAP, under the leadership of Executive Director Brandon Reed. KOAP provides staff support to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation, which together provide grants, incentives and low-interest loans to help farmers and agribusinesses innovate and grow.