Kentucky ag board allocates $2.5M for farm development

Monday, January 20, 2025

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) has allocated $2,501,264 to support agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the state. This funding was approved during the board’s recent monthly meeting.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board continues to be a good steward of the Tobacco Master Settlement money,” Commissioner of Agriculture and KADB Chair Jonathan Shell stated. “The projects approved today will continue to strengthen the economic viability of Kentucky agriculture creating benefits for farm families and the state as a whole.”

State and County Funded Initiatives

Community Farm Alliance, Inc. has been granted up to $868,008 in state funding over two years. This initiative aims to enhance market and nutrition incentives, improve food accessibility for low-income residents, and leverage federal resources to bolster Kentucky’s food and farming systems. Contact Myrisa Christy at myrusa@cfaky.org for more details.
Kentucky State Beekeepers Association secured up to $109,000 in state funds over two years to advance the Certified Kentucky Honey Program. Contact Jessica Mayes at jmayes741@gmail.com for further information.
Rockcastle County Conservation District received $3,212 in county funds for exhaust fans and $3,367 for livestock panels at the county fairgrounds. Contact Mark Dyehouse at mark-dyehouse@icloud.com for inquiries.

County Programs

County Agricultural Incentive Program (CAIP)

CAIP offers cost-share assistance to Kentucky farmers, enabling them to expand and diversify their operations across various sectors, including livestock, infrastructure, horticulture, energy efficiency, and value-added production.

The board approved eleven CAIP projects across the following counties, totaling $1,435,177:

Bracken ($322,536)
Breckinridge ($300,000)
Daviess ($58,575)
Estill ($80,000)
Fayette ($225,000)
Grant ($12,000)
Lewis ($199,007)
McLean ($65,487)
Pike ($4,000)
Rowan ($91,000)
Simpson ($77,572)

Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program (DAR)

DAR provides cost-effective, environmentally responsible livestock disposal services. The board approved $2,500 for Garrard County under this program.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages young individuals to explore agricultural careers. Three YAIP grants totaling $80,000 were awarded to: