Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Feb. 16, 2024) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $812,040 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Creating diversity is key for the growth of our agricultural community,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Jonathan Shell. “The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board's focus on innovative plans and sound business ideas keeps Kentucky and it's agricultural producers headed in the right direction.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Creation Gardens was approved up to $500,000 in state funds to support the upgrades to processing equipment. For more information, contact John Thomas at jthomas@whatchefswant.com.
• Metcalfe County 4-H Council was approved up to $1,680 in Metcalfe County funds for the local country ham project. For more information, contact Marla Young at marla.young@uky.edu.
• Owen County Tourism & Convention Commission was approved up to $5,503 in Owen County funds for the purchase of equipment to help provide market opportunities for local producers. For more information, contact Holly Bowling at tourismdirector@owencountyky.us.

State Program

The Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program provides funding for Kentucky veterinarians to increase service to large and food animals in the state. Applicants may receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for eligible expenditures not to exceed more than $100,000 in state and county funds as a lifetime limit.

One Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program in Calloway County was approved by the board totaling $75,850 combined in county and state funds.

County Programs

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.

Four CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $229,007:
• Knott ($40,000)
• Lyon ($31,000)*
• McLean ($44,900)*
• Wolfe ($113,107)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP 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.