Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Feb. 17, 2023) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,263,891 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approves projects that will contribute to a pathway for agricultural diversification across the state," said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “Agriculture is still very strong in Kentucky and projects, such as the ones awarded today, will guarantee that continues into the future.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Avios Cuban Meats, LLLP was approved $155,403 in state funds to purchase equipment for their meat processing facility. For more information, contactElaisy Gonzalez at alvioscubanmeats@gmail.com.
• Blackacre Conservancy, Inc. was approved $2,785 in Jefferson County funds to build a hoop barn and purchase storage for equipment. For more information, contact Dennis Craig at dennisc@visitblackacre.org.
• Community Farm Alliance, Inc. was approved $621,717 in state funds over a two-year period to continue supporting market and nutrition incentives and increase access to local food for low-income populations. For more information, contact Martin Richards at martin@cfaky.org.
• Daviess County Cattleman's Association was approved $5,775 in Daviess County funds to purchase a Mobile Beef Promotion Trailer. For more information, contact Joan Hayden at haydenfarms14@gmail.com.
• Metcalfe County 4-H Council, Inc. was approved $1,500 in Metcalfe County funds to purchase 25 hams for Metcalfe County 4-H members. For more information, contact Marla Young at marla.young@uky.edu.

State Program

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 grants were approved by the board totaling $36,639:

• Adair ($6,189)
• Bell ($10,150)
• Graves ($10,150)
• Jessamine ($10,150)

County Programs

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 $341,072:

• Campbell ($37,685)
• Harlan ($53,387)
• Ohio ($130,000)
• Washington ($120,000)

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 program was approved by the board totaling $15,000:

• Shelby ($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.

One NextGen program was approved by the board totaling $37,500::

• Washington ($37,500)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Four YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $46,500:

• Harlan ($2,500)
• Shelby ($10,000)
• Washington ($19,000)
• Wayne ($15,000)*

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.

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.