Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Dec. 15, 2023) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $203,512 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Some of the projects funded today reflect how progress and safety should always be top of mind for Kentucky’s agriculture community,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is consistently focusing on projects that can make a huge difference for our farm families.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Boyle County Farm Bureau was approved up to $5,500 in Boyle County funds to support the purchase of grain bin rescue equipment. For more information, contact Terry Gilbert at terry.gilbert@kyfb.com.
• Kentucky Agricultural Council was approved up to $70,000 in state funds to develop a 2025-2030 Road Map for Kentucky Agriculture, as well as support the Kentucky Agriculture Summit. For more information, contact Jennifer Elwell at jennifer@teachkyag.org.

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, beef and dairy cattle; farm infrastructure, fencing, and water enhancement; equine; forage; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; bees and honey; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; marketing; and value-added production.

Two CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $125,124:

• Boone ($108,077)
• Carter ($17,047)*

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.

A Shared-Use Equipment Program was approved in LaRue County totaling $2,888.

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