Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (March 15, 2024) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,624,376 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Growing our agricultural products is essential for a healthy economy,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Jonathan Shell. “The funds approved by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board allows that growth by focusing on innovative plans and sound businesses. These projects continue to move Kentucky forward.”.

County and State Funded Projects

• Calloway County Board of Education was approved up to $30,000 in Calloway County funds for the construction of a greenhouse at the local high school. For more information, contact Jacob Falwell at jacob.falwell@calloway.kyschools.us.
• Kentucky River Lamb Co. was approved up to $37,254 in matching multi-county and state funds for the expense of digital marketing. For more information, contact David Jarboe at david.jarboe@kyriverlamb.com.
• Mayfield Downtown Farmers Market with the City of Mayfield was approved up to $5,000 in Graves County funds and $250,000 in state funds for the construction of a farmers' market. For more information, contact Kathy O'Nan at konan@mayfieldky.gov.
• P.H.A.R.M., LLC was approved up to $225,000 in matching multi-county and state funds to expand the existing roadside market and produce processing facilities. For more information, contact Evan Ogburn at eogburn@pharm-cbd.com.

State Programs

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.

Six On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $52,200:
• Barren ($10,150)
• Breckinridge ($10,150)
• Metcalfe ($6,150)
• Wayne ($5,450)
• Wayne ($10,150)
• Webster ($10,150)

Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives 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 Shelby County was approved by the board totaling $27,521 combined in county and state funds.

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, 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.

Eight CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $881,800:
• Bath ($253,900)
• Bullitt ($61,400)
• Estill ($80,000)
• Madison ($235,000)
• Montgomery ($75,000)
• Ohio ($130,000)
• Owen ($10,000)
• Taylor ($36,500)*

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.

Two DARs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $25,000:

• Madison ($10,000)
• Shelby ($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.

Four Shared-Use Equipment Programs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $75,601:

• Madison ($4,350)
• Madison ($21,225)
• Monroe ($25,013)
• Monroe ($25,013)

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

One YAIP in Owen County was approved by the board totaling $15,000.

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.