The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has allocated $1,595,287 for projects aimed at agricultural diversification and rural development throughout the state. The funding was approved during the board’s monthly meeting held in Frankfort. Jonathan Shell, Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair, said, “Our economy thrives when we see and nurture the value of our agricultural producers.” He emphasized the importance of farming diversification to enhance the state’s economic value.
Several projects received approval for funding. Gate Keeper Cattle Company, LLC will receive up to $110,000 in multi-county funds for its expansion project involving a 4,000-foot structure. Green River Area Agent Association is set to get up to $12,900 to support participation in the Cooperative Extension Leadership Experience. Owensboro Farmers Market, Inc. will benefit from up to $45,000 for a commercial kitchen project in Daviess County. Additionally, Washington County Board of Education will receive up to $100,000 for constructing an agricultural working facility.
The County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP) provides cost-share assistance across various agricultural practices such as beef and dairy cattle operations and farm infrastructure improvements. The board approved seven CAIPs totaling $1,232,512 in counties including Bracken ($246,318), Breathitt ($75,000), Breckinridge ($250,000), Lewis ($273,245), Mason ($264,000), McLean ($56,400), and Simpson ($67,549).
The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program received approval for one project totaling $2,500 in Garrard County. This program aids Kentucky producers with environmentally sound disposal methods for deceased livestock.
Furthermore, three Shared-Use Equipment Programs were approved with a total of $43,375 allocated among Breckinridge ($12,000), Garrard ($19,425), and Pulaski (11,950) counties. These programs provide community organizations with farm equipment on a leased basis.
The Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) encourages youth involvement in agriculture with three programs approved totaling $49,000 across Bracken ($20,000), Breathitt ($10,000), and Mason ($19,000) counties.
