Kentucky agriculture investment projects

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3.3 million for agriculture and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

The projects funded by the board include:

County and State Funded Projects

• Adair County Board of Education: $50,000 to support the construction of a greenhouse at the Adair County Agriculture Facility.
• Berea College, Grow Appalachia: $322,260 to run the Eastern Kentucky Direct Integrated Grower Support Program (EKY-DIGS).
• Gate Keeper Cattle Company: $8,000 to aid in the purchase of equipment for the mobile meat retail business.
• The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD), Inc.: $900,000 over two years to deliver technical assistance and provide educational opportunities to agricultural and rural businesses.
• Kentucky State University (KSU): $1,359,000 over two years to aid in continuing its KSU Mini-Grant Program to help producers across the commonwealth.
• Logan Premium Meats and Processing LLC: $3,000 to support the expenses of pursuing a Halal Certification.
• Reid’s Orchard: $10,700 to purchase a 5-ton compressor, evaporator, and cooling system for their business.

State Programs

• On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program: $72,759 to help Kentucky farm families increase the energy efficiency of existing equipment or facilities on the farm.
• Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program: $3,750 to help Kentucky farm families, businesses, and processors increase their efficiency and food safety protocol through sound consultation services.
• Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program: $158,145 to help Kentucky veterinarians increase service to large and food animals in the state.

County Programs

• County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP): $384,935 to help Kentucky agricultural producers improve and diversify their current farm operations.
• Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR): $12,500 to help Kentucky producers dispose of deceased livestock in an environmentally sound and cost-effective manner.
• Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP): $51,900 to encourage youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is committed to supporting the growth and development of Kentucky's agriculture and rural communities. These projects will help to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the quality of life for Kentuckians.

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic