Kentucky Proud members are invited to apply for the 2026 Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork program, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell announced on May 6. The program aims to increase awareness of local food by supporting events that highlight Kentucky farms and products while benefiting community charities.
The initiative is important because it promotes local agriculture and supports charitable causes in communities across the state. The Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Program, administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, partners with host groups who organize events featuring local farms, farmers, producers, and products. Funding comes from a grant provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.
“Kentucky Proud is the perfect way to share a little bit of Kentucky on your table,” Shell said. “Kentucky Proud is a national model for promoting local agricultural products, and the Farm to Fork Program helps publicize the many outstanding products produced by our farmers and agribusinesses.”
Host groups can receive reimbursement through a cost-share grant covering up to 50 percent (up to $750) of eligible expenses related to Kentucky-grown food products and promotional costs. Only meal ingredients and items that directly impact Kentucky farms qualify for full consideration under this grant.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an event takes place, with all events required to occur before Nov. 13. Additional details about applying or downloading guidelines are available at kyagr.com/marketing/farm-to-fork.html.
The program reflects broader efforts by the department: it obtains funding through grants for county fairs and agricultural projects; celebrates agricultural education during designated months; uses facilities in Frankfort for operations; operates as a state agency within Kentucky’s executive branch; seeks strategic partnerships for economic enhancement; and provides resources statewide—all according to the official website.
For more information about cost-share grants related to Farm to Fork events, interested parties may contact Alisha Morris at (502) 782-4119 or Alisha.Morris@ky.gov.
