Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (April 15, 2022) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $629,258 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

"Investments in agriculture infrastructure and diversification increases Kentucky’s agricultural economy and propels economic benefits for the community and the state,” Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles said. "The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is tasked with finding and funding projects and programs that increase that advantage."

State and County Funded Project

Alliance Packing KY, LLC was approved for $400,000 in State Funds as a cost-reimbursement forgivable loan for the purchase and renovation of a produce cleaning, cooling, packaging and marketing facility in Laurel County. For more information on the project contact, Jarrod Cornett at bcornett79@gmail.com.

County Agricultural Investment 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 investment areas, including, but not limited to, bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value-added production.

Two CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $175,035:

• Boone ($25,035)*
• Gallatin ($150,000)

   

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

TheDeceased 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 Program was approved by the board totaling $4,500:

• Bracken ($4,500)

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.

One Shared-Use program was approved by the board totaling $19,723:

• Hart ($19,723)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)
YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

One YAIP program was approved by the board totaling $30,000:

• Laurel ($30,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.