By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has approved a total of $3,433,566 to support agricultural diversification and rural development projects throughout the Commonwealth during its recent monthly meeting.
"Kentucky’s agricultural sector is growing and that is due, in part, to the work of the Agricultural Development Board," Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. "The Board invests in projects that grow our agricultural community and help farm families strengthen rural communities across the Commonwealth."
Among the funded initiatives, Berea College’s Grow Appalachia program received up to $440,953 in state funds to operate the Eastern Kentucky Direct integrated Grower Support Program (EKY-DIGS).
This project aims to help farmers in Eastern Kentucky adopt more efficient production methods, ultimately boosting agricultural growth and profitability in the area. For inquiries, contact Chris M. McKenzie at mckenziec@berea.edu.
Creekside Veterinary Clinic was granted up to $55,280 in state funds, plus $11,056 in multi-county funds, to purchase new medical equipment and improve livestock facilities. Contact Ashlee M. Page at docashlee@creekside-vet.com for details.
Dino’s Farm LLC secured up to $250,000 in state funds through a forgivable loan, along with $10,000 in Gallatin County funds as a cost reimbursement grant. These funds will support the purchase of a meat processing facility and related equipment in Warsaw, KY. For more information, contact Nadia Ghazawi at nadia@nadiaisk.com.
The Hancock County Cattleman’s Association LTD was approved for $5,000 in county funds to support the Hancock County Youth Agriculture Production Cost-Share Program. Evan Tate can be reached at evan.tate@uky.edu.
The board also approved 19 County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP) projects across various counties, totaling $2,527,839. CAIP offers Kentucky farmers cost-share assistance to improve and diversify their farm operations through various incentive areas, including livestock, horticulture, timber, and value-added production.
In addition, three Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR) programs were funded, totaling $39,625, helping producers dispose of deceased livestock in an environmentally responsible way. One Shared-Use Equipment Program was approved in Metcalfe County for $26,063, aiding community organizations in purchasing farm equipment for shared use.
Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) projects also received approval, with four initiatives totaling $67,750 to encourage young people’s involvement in agriculture in Fayette, McCracken, Taylor, and Warren counties.
Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy