By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has approved more than $1 million in funding to support agricultural diversification and rural development initiatives across the state.
The total allocation of $1,009,883 was finalized during the board’s recent monthly meeting, reflecting continued investment in strengthening Kentucky’s agricultural economy.
"The strength in our agriculture comes from the unique diversity we have across our Commonwealth,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said.
“The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board continues to award projects that continue that diversity and further strengthen our economic stronghold.”
Among the approved projects, Bluegrass Flow Co. will receive up to $93,833 in county funds, matched by state contributions, with the remaining balance structured as a forgivable loan.
The funding will be used to purchase processing equipment and transform an existing structure into a commercial kitchen. Additional details are available by contacting Taylor Fraser at taylorfutrell22@gmail.com.
The Elkton Fire Department was also awarded up to $39,500 in multi-county funds to acquire specialized grain rescue equipment.
This investment aims to improve emergency response capabilities in cases of grain entrapment. For more information, J.T. Calvery can be reached at jtcalvery90@gmail.com.
Several county-level programs also received funding support. The County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP), which helps producers enhance and diversify their operations, received a total of $709,980 distributed across Estill, Garrard, Henry, Logan, and Madison counties.
The Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR) Program was allocated $15,000 to assist with environmentally responsible livestock disposal in Madison and Oldham counties.
The Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen), designed for young producers ages 18 to 40, received $1,000 in Henry County.
Additionally, three Shared-Use Equipment Program projects totaling $68,850 were approved in Logan and Madison counties, while the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) secured $81,720 to encourage youth participation in agriculture.
Officials noted that application periods and deadlines for CAIP, NextGen, and YAIP will be announced locally.
Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy