Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (July 21, 2023) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $2,956,072 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“The grants awarded today by the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board will help Kentucky continue to diversify its agricultural outputs,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The board’s diversification focus is important in encouraging a variety of pursuits for our agricultural community.”

County and State Funded Projects

• City of Morgantown was approved $10,000 in Butler County funds and $240,000 in state funds to support the construction of a new farmers' market pavilion. For more information, contact Allie Lee at a.lee@morgantownky.gov.
• Hallstead Farms, LLC was approved up to $30,000 in matching county and state funds to aid in the construction of an on-farm retail store. For more information, contact Amanda Hall at amandahall129@gmail.com.
• Kentucky Young Farmer Association was approved up to $21,814 in state funds to support the purchase of equipment for a pilot welding training program. For more information, contact Rachel Wilson at rachel.wilson@kctcs.edu.
• Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub, LLC was approved up to $200,000 in matching county and state funds to support the purchase of equipment to create a large-scale value-added processing program. For more information, contact Birch Bragg at birch@localsfoodhub.com.
• Tri-County Livestock Exchange, Inc. was approved up to $6,640 in Henry County funds to upgrade the existing working facilities. For more information, contact Larry Congleton at congletonlivestock@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.

Sixteen CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $2,236,597:

• Barren ($280,000)
• Clark ($20,000)*
• Edmonson ($85,000)
• Elliott ($154,982)
• Fulton ($60,000)
• Grayson ($100,000)*
• Greenup ($177,208)
• Laurel ($126,000)
• Lincoln ($247,000)
• Livingston ($51,230)
• Marion ($38,904)*
• Nicholas ($260,785)
• Pendleton ($217,099)
• Perry ($57,593)
• Taylor ($191,144)
• Warren ($169,652)

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 DAR programs were approved by the board totaling $62,500:

• Fayette ($2,500)
• Hart ($15,000)
• Lincoln ($15,000)
• Marion ($15,000)
• Taylor ($15,000)

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.

Five Shared-Use Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $83,171:

• Barren ($19,425 and $19,425)
• Clark ($25,121)
• Hart ($15,675)
• Marion ($3,525)

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Three YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $65,350:

• Barren ($20,000)
• Taylor ($15,350)
• Warren ($30,000)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP 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.