Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Jan. 20, 2023) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3,339,014 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Applications awarded today will contribute to the long-term vision and achievement for Kentucky agriculture," said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “One project, specifically, that I've worked to secure includes improving agriculture technology development. This project will set Kentucky up for future agriculture success.”

State Funded Project

• Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp was approved $1,000,000 in state funds over a 2-year period to support the innovation and improvement of current agriculture technology. For more information, contact Dr. Mark Lyons at press@alltech.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 $ 2,268,364:
• Adair ($110,000)*
• Ballard ($86,000)*
• Bracken ($312,375)
• Breckinridge ($300,000)
• Carter ($28,776)*
• Daviess ($145,810)*
• Estill ($80,000)
• Fayette ($225,000)
• Green ($300,000)
• Hancock ($4,634)*
• Knott ($25,000)
• Lewis ($244,004)
• McLean ($51,011)*
• Pulaski ($200,000)
• Simpson ($97,854)
• Whitley ($57,900)

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 was approved by the board totaling $29,400:

• Bracken ($29,400)

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

Two YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $41,250:

• Bracken ($26,250)
• Carroll ($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.