By Blake Jackson
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) a $1.7 million grant to support stronger local food systems and encourage seed-based entrepreneurship throughout Eastern Kentucky.
The three-year initiative, titled Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Production of Appalachian Seed Crops, began in May and will continue through April 2029.
Managed by the Department of Horticulture at Martin-Gatton CAFE, the project is designed to assist both aspiring and established commercial seed producers.
Participants will receive resources to improve production methods, expand market opportunities, increase profitability, and preserve treasured Appalachian heirloom seeds that have been passed down through generations.
“Production of heritage seed crops is more than an agricultural practice ― it’s a living link to the history, identity and resilience of Appalachian communities,” said Cindy Finneseth, Extension specialist for community horticulture and project lead.
“Many families have lost irreplaceable heirloom seeds, such as during recent Eastern Kentucky floods. This project helps restore that heritage while creating new entrepreneurial opportunities.”
The initiative also focuses on creating and sustaining jobs across the region while promoting locally produced seeds through education and outreach efforts.
Key partners include Grow Appalachia at Berea College, Community Farm Alliance, the Kentucky Horticulture Council, the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Organic Association of Kentucky.
To introduce the project, the UK Cooperative Extension Service and Grow Appalachia hosted the Seed Farming and Entrepreneurship Workshop on July 9 at the UK Robinson Center in Jackson, Kentucky.
The free event welcomed farmers, growers, and agricultural service providers interested in adding seed production to their operations.
Finneseth led educational sessions covering seed business fundamentals, including regulations, equipment, and business planning. Participants also took part in hands-on demonstrations focused on seed cleaning, processing, disease prevention, and field production techniques.
“Thursday’s workshop was a perfect blend of lecture and hands-on demonstrations, with lots of questions and engagement from participants. We hope this opportunity and others in the future will inspire more farmers and technical service providers to consider seed farming as a viable operation to add to their enterprise," said Steph Hamborsky of Grow Appalachia.
"With all of the disease and pest pressures facing our region, it’s so important for us to increase the availability of regionally adapted seeds while also creating other potential revenue streams for our farmers.”
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General