Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Sept. 18, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,542,424 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.

“The projects approved today are investments in the future of Kentucky agriculture,” Agriculture Commissioner and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “These projects will help producers diversify, strengthen their operations, and create new opportunities that keep our farm communities strong for generations to come.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Carter County Fair Inc. was approved up to $30,000 in Carter County funds to construct an open area pole barn structure for its fairgrounds. For more information, contact Charles J. Hall at charleshall0840@icloud.com. 

• Kanbol, Inc was approved up to $577,250 in state funds as a participation loan and referred the applicant to the KAEDB to expand a value-added processing facility. For more information, contact Jonathan Tunner at jonathantunner@kanbolinc.com. 

• Seedleaf, Inc. was approved up to $22,524 in county funds to relaunch its Compost Carpool program. For more information, contact Christine Smith at Christine@seedleaf.org. 

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.

 Seven CAIPs, totaling $818,400 were approved in the following counties:

• Clark ($20,000)*

• Hardin ($80,000)

• Harlan ($50,000)

• Laurel ($124,000)

• Pike ($42,400)

• Scott ($245,000)

• Shelby ($257,000)

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.

One DAR, totaling $15,000, was approved in Scott County.

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. 

One NextGen, totaling $16,000, was approved in Scott County.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Four YAIPs, totaling $63,250, were approved in the following counties:

• Harlan ($15,000)

• Laurel ($20,000)

• Scott ($16,000)

• Shelby ($12,250)

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

For more information on KADB projects, contact Bill McCloskey at Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 382-6093 or email koap@ky.gov.

 * Existing programs receiving additional funding