The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $2,090,077 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.
“The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture continues their efforts to fund projects across our agricultural landscape that provide opportunities and the diversity that will allow this industry to thrive,” Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles said. “The funds distributed today shows the truly unique and wonderful things our agriculture community continues to do.”
State and County Funded Projects
• Beechwood Independent Schools was approved up to $76,500 in county funds to build a greenhouse and purchase lab equipment. For more information, contact Brian VanOver at brian.vanover@beechwood.kyschools.us.
• Cierra Enterprises was approved up to $6,000 in county funds to construct a building for community education classes and a commercial kitchen to feed the hungry in the area.
• Gav’s Meat Processing, LLC was approved up to $247,676 in state funds to renovate a meat processing facility.
• Grain Day, Inc. was approved for $5,000 in county funds to support the local Ag Expo which provides a forum for producers to learn the latest production practices.
• Greenup County Extension District Board was approved up to $250,000 in state and county funds to build a farmers’ market pavilion.
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, bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value-added production.
Eight CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $1,338,526:
• Bourbon ($350,000)
• Boyd ($30,000)
• Garrard ($200,000)
• Graves ($52,000)
• Menifee ($118,911)
• Monroe ($315,000)
• Oldham ($12,615)*
• Woodford ($260,000)
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.
One DAR program was approved by the board totaling $4,500:
• Oldham ($4,500)
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.
One NextGen program was approved by the board totaling $40,000:
• Woodford ($40,000)
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.
One Shared-Use Equipment program was approved by the board totaling $66,375:
• Monroe ($66,375)
Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)
YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.
Three YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $55,500:
• Bourbon ($37,500)
• Powell ($3,000)
• Wayne ($15,000)
All application periods and deadlines for CAIP, NextGen, and YAIP will be advertised locally.
