Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (June 20, 2025) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3,356,567 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth today at its monthly board meeting.

"Kentucky’s agricultural success depends on our ability to adapt and grow," Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. "The Agricultural Development Board is proud to invest in projects that empower farm families, encourage innovation, and strengthen rural communities across the Commonwealth."



County and State Funded Projects

• Cornett Enterprises LLC was approved up to $3,750 in state funds for a GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) audit, food safety software, and consulting as a part of the Food Safety & Efficiency Incentives Program. For more information, contact Rhonda Cornett at Rcornett64@gmail.com.
• FoodChain Inc. was approved up to $45,643 in county funds matched by state funds to open a neighborhood green grocery. For more information, contact Leandra Forman at leandra@foodchainlex.org.
• Miller Rockbridge Farms LLC was approved up to $52,402 in multi-county funds to build an education barn. For more information, contact Janna Sullivan at millerfarms42167@gmail.com.
• Spencer County Fair Board Inc. was approved up to $30,000 in Spencer County funds for upgrades to the county fairgrounds. For more information, contact Chase Harrod at harrod.w.chase@gmail.com.
• Sprig Aerospace LLC was approved up to $20,000 in multi-county funds for the development of a new drone. For more information, contact Alexis Scott at alex@sprigaerospace.com.
• Thompson Family Farm LLC was approved up to $13,840 in Mercer County funds to set up a sheep buying station at the farm. For more information, contact Eli Thompson at thompsonfarms@live.com.

State Programs

On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program

The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program provides incentives for Kentucky farm families to increase the energy efficiency of existing equipment or facilities on the farm.

Four On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $34,308:

• Rockcastle ($9,300 and $10,300)
• Union ($10,300)
• Wayne ($4,408)

County Programs

County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP)

CAIP provides Kentucky agricultural producers with cost-share assistance on practices to allow them to improve and diversify their current farm operations. CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 incentive areas, including, but not limited to, beef and dairy cattle; farm infrastructure, fencing, and water enhancement; equine; forage; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; bees and honey; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; marketing; and value-added production.

Twenty-two CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $2,849,568:

• Adair ($164,000)
• Allen ($120,000)
• Anderson ($109,943)
• Barren ($258,510)
• Boone ($20,800)*
• Bourbon ($197,663)
• Boyle ($115,000)
• Carter ($114,475)
• Cumberland ($119,777)
• Franklin ($122,867)
• Gallatin ($140,000)
• Green (217,000)*
• Grant ($190,000)
• Hancock ($80,498)
• Jefferson ($49,400)
• Lincoln ($206,000)
• McCreary ($31,122)
• Mercer ($182,220)
• Nelson ($84,950)
• Nicholas ($218,343)
• Trigg ($60,000)
• Whitley ($47,000)

* - Existing programs receiving additional funding

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers. 

Five DARs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $58,550:

• Boyle ($15,000)
• Franklin ($8,750)
• Fleming ($4,800)
• Lincoln ($15,000)
• Nelson ($15,000)

Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen)

NextGen addresses the growing need for a specialized program that would benefit producers ages 18 to 40 that have been engaged in an agricultural operation for a minimum of three years. 

Two NextGens were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $100,000:

• Bourbon ($75,000)
• Nelson ($25,000)

Shared-Use Equipment Program

The Shared-Use Equipment Program assists broad-based community organizations with the purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased is made available for producer use in a specific county on a leased basis. 

Three Shared-Use Equipment Programs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $37,863:

• Nicholas ($17,738)
• Pulaski ($8,475 and $11,650)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $65,000:

• Barren ($20,000)
• Bourbon ($40,000)
• Nelson ($5,000)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP, NextGen, and YAIP will be advertised locally. 

The Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP), a division within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, provides staff support to the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC) and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF). The KADF is administered by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. KOAP ensures Kentucky is being good stewards of dollars from the 1998 Tobacco Settlement Agreement by overseeing the boards’ investments into diversifying and supporting Kentucky agriculture.