By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has approved $1,735,890 in funding for agricultural diversification and rural development initiatives across the state.
“The projects approved today are investments in the future of Kentucky agriculture,” Agriculture Commissioner and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “These projects will help producers diversify, strengthen their operations, and create new opportunities that keep our farm communities strong for generations to come.”
Among the state-funded projects, Campbellsville University received approval for up to $130,510 to purchase equipment for its agriculture department. Community Farm Alliance was allocated up to $780,445 over two years to help family farms remain sustainable, increase farmer income, and develop reliable markets.
Several initiatives in Letcher County also received funding. Community Agricultural and Nutritional Enterprises was approved for $20,000 to support farm-to-market services and a pilot mobile market.
Cowan Community Action Group received two separate awards of $20,000 each to develop a demonstration kitchen, garden, and greenhouse and improve the Whitesburg Farmers’ Market Pavilion. Pine Mountain Perennials LLC was approved for $5,303 to expand its native plant nursery in Eastern Kentucky.
The board also approved funding through several county agricultural programs. The County Agricultural Incentives Program received $702,082 for initiatives in Boyd, Jessamine, Martin, Pendleton, Washington, and Woodford counties.
The program provides cost-sharing assistance for improvements and diversification across agricultural sectors, including livestock, horticulture, farm infrastructure, marketing, and value-added production.
Additionally, $19,800 was approved through the Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program in Fleming and Washington counties. The initiative helps farmers arrange environmentally responsible and cost-effective livestock disposal.
Washington County also received $27,750 through the Next Generation Farmer Program, which supports agricultural producers ages 18 to 40 who have participated in farming for at least three years.
Another $10,000 was approved through the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program to encourage young people to explore agricultural careers and opportunities.
Application deadlines for the County Agricultural Incentives Program, Next Generation Farmer Program, and Youth Agricultural Incentives Program will be announced locally.
For additional information about Kentucky Agricultural Development Board projects, interested parties can contact the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 382-6093 or email koap@ky.gov.
Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy