The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $4,583,727 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.
“Grants through the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board provide Kentucky agriculture producers a pathway to diversification," said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The awarded projects represent a wide variety of agriculture practices helping the state and its farmers reach different opportunities for the advancement of all.”
State and County Funded Projects
Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom, Inc. was approved $151,250 in state funds for educational materials and program services over a two-year period.
Kentucky Beef Network, LLC was approved $2,057,237 in state funds to provide production and marketing programs for cattle producers that will focus on profitability and farm business management.
Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Inc. was approved $1,891,560 in state funds to continue educating, representing, and promoting Kentucky’s dairy producers and industry.
Lincoln County Board of Education was approved $13,112 in Lincoln County funds to expand the greenhouse at Lincoln County High School.
J.R. Farms was approved $10,000 in state funds as a Small-Scale Grant to invest in water harvesting equipment for beef cattle.
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. Two CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $391,280:
- Boone ($124,415)
- Todd ($266,865)
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. Three DAR programs were approved by the board totaling $25,000:
- Garrard ($2,500)
- Hardin ($12,500)
- Madison ($10,000)
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. Two Shared-Use Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $44,288: Madison ($18,638 and $25,650)
All application periods and deadlines for CAIP will be advertised locally
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy