Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Nov. 18, 2022) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $6,020,205 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board strives to assist Kentucky’s farmers achieve greater diversity in our agricultural landscape," said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The projects awarded will help reach this goal as the board and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture continues to put the best interest of the commonwealth’s farmers in the forefront.”

State and County Funded Projects

• Hampton Premier Meats was approved $3,750 in state funds for funding consultation fees for a Global Food Safety Initiative audit, shelf-life consultation for ground beef, and consultation on smoked meats.For more information, contact Chris Milam at cmilam@hamptonpremiummeats.com.
• Kentucky Department of Agriculture was approved $2,876,000 in state funds to fund the Kentucky Proud Program.For more information, contact Melanie McPartlin at melanie.mcpartlin@ky.gov.
• Kentucky Horticulture Council was approved $1,848,395 in state funds to expand technical assistance, education, research, and market analysis for Kentucky's horticulture industry. For more information, contact Dr. Cindy Finneseth at cindy@kyhortcouncil.org.
• Kentucky State Beekeepers Association was approved up to $106,000 in state and county funds to support Kentucky beekeepers.For more information, contact Scott Moore at manager@ckyhp.com.
• Marion County Public Schools was approved $8,592 in Marion County funds to update the greenhouse at Marion County High School. For more information, contact Trevor Sweet at trevor.sweet@marion.kyschools.us.

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.

Four CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $969,918
• Caldwell ($97,918)
• Fleming ($300,000)
• Mason ($252,000)
• Robertson ($320,000)

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.

One NextGen program was approved by the board totaling $40,000:
• Fleming ($40,000)

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.

Two Shared-Use Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $ 39,300:
• LaRue ($23,625 and $15,675)

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

Five YAIP was approved by the board totaling $ 128,250:
• Caldwell ($10,000)
• Casey ($36,750)
• Fleming ($25,000)
• LaRue ($30,000)
• Mason ($26,500)

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.