Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (April 19, 2024) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $5,806,937 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Challenging our agricultural community to find new ways to diversify and expand our farm products is one of the ways the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board enhances Kentucky’s future,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Jonathan Shell. “The funds approved today helps continue this endeavor by moving Kentucky agriculture forward.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Barren County Board of Education was approved up to $178,753 in multi-county funds for the construction of a livestock facility at the local high school. For more information, contact Bo Matthews at bo.matthews@barren.kyschools.us.
• Cornett Farm Fresh was approved up to $100,000 in state funds and $256,385 in multi-county funds with the option to pursue a participation loan in the remaining balance, if county commitments are not met; not to exceed $356,385 for the facility's expansion. For more information, contact Rhonda Cornett at cornettfarmfresh@gmail.com.
• Greenfield Grain was approved up to $2,000,000 in the form of a participation loan to construct a river terminal in Henderson County. For more information, contact Christopher Case at chris@gfh.ag.
• Kentucky Association of Meat Processors was approved up to $472,750 in state funds over a two-year period to create a Master Butcher Program. For more information, contact Jennifer Hardin at jennifer@kymeatprocessors.org.
• Kentucky Farmed was approved up to $292,050 in matching multi-county and state funds with the option to pursue a participation loan in the remaining balance, if county commitments are not met. These funds will go toward upgrading and restoring the existing greenhouse. For more information, contact Michael Adaire at Madair1313@gmail.com.
• Temple Hill Lion’s Club was approved up to $46,250 in Barren County funds to implement improvements to the fairgrounds. For more information, contact William Myatt at wgmyah@gmail.com.
• Owen County Board of Education was approved up to $100,000 in Owen County funds to build a new educational greenhouse at the local high school. For more information, contact Brian Gognat at brian.gognat@owen.kyschools.us.
• Pleasant View Greenhouse was approved up to $237,697 in multi-county funds with an option to pursue a participation loan in the remaining balance, if county commitments are not met. These funds will go toward repurposing a greenhouse into an agriculture education center. For more information, contact Mark Metcalfe at plant@metcalfelandscaping.com.
• Thelma's Garden Academy was approved up to $50,000 in state funds to provide opportunities for farming education and continued leadership skills. For more information, contact Jeffrey Coles at tgardenacademy@gmail.com.

State Programs

Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program
Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program provides funding for Kentucky farm families, businesses, and processors to increase their efficiency and food safety protocol through sound consultation services.

Three Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Programs were approved by the board totaling $10,800:
• Calloway ($3,600)
• Christian ($3,600)
• Lincoln ($3,600)

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.

Three Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program were approved by the board totaling $156,625 combined in county and state funds:

• Grayson ($84,535)
• Nicholas ($69,112)
• Scott ($2,978)

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.

Twelve CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $1,690,707:

• Boone ($45,405)*
• Christian ($175,000)
• Green ($249,376)
• Henry ($280,000)
• Jessamine ($100,000)
• Lewis ($223,955)
• Logan ($60,120)
• Mason ($105,000)*
• Rowan ($86,851)
• Spencer ($155,000)
• Trigg ($60,000)
• Washington ($150,000)

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 $17,300:

• Fleming ($4,800)
• Montgomery ($12,500)

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.

A NextGen in Washington County was approved by the board totaling $35,000.

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.

A Shared-Use Equipment Program in Daviess County was approved by the board totaling $20,250.

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

Five YAIPs in were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $142,370:

• Bath ($35,000)
• Logan ($60,120)
• Shelby ($12,250)
• Washington ($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.