Kentucky boosts agriculture with $3.5M in grants

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) approved over $3.5 million in funding to support various agricultural development projects across the state. This investment aims to diversify Kentucky's agricultural sector and promote growth in rural communities.

Highlights of the Approved Grants:

• New Farmers' Market: The City of Glasgow received up to $375,000 to construct a new farmers' market, enhancing local food access and supporting producers.
• Improved Animal Management: Clark and McLean counties secured funding to upgrade their dead animal composting facilities and host poultry specialist workshops for farmers, promoting biosecurity and animal health.
• Small Ruminant Reproduction Center: The Kentucky Small Animal Reproduction Center received multi-county and state funds to establish a site for small ruminant artificial insemination and embryo transfer, improving breeding efficiency in sheep and goats.
• Grain Storage Expansion: Loretta Grain, LLC was approved for a KADF participation loan to expand grain storage capacity at their Danville facility, supporting infrastructure development for the grain industry.
• On-Farm Energy Efficiency: Ten farms across Kentucky received incentives totaling $67,839 to upgrade equipment and facilities for improved energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and cost savings.

County-Level Programs:

• County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP): Sixteen Kentucky counties were awarded $2.1 million through CAIP. These funds support various agricultural enterprises like beef cattle, farm infrastructure, horticulture, and value-added production, enabling diversification and farm improvements.
• Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR): Three counties received $45,000 to aid in the environmentally friendly and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock.
• Shared-Use Equipment Program: Marion County received funding to purchase shared-use farm equipment, increasing accessibility of equipment for local producers.
• Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP): Three counties were awarded $48,115 to encourage youth involvement in agriculture through educational programs and projects.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board's grant programs provide valuable resources for Kentucky's agricultural sector.

These initiatives promote innovation, sustainability, and growth within the state's rural communities. Stay tuned for local announcements regarding application periods for CAIP and YAIP programs.

For more Information visit https://www.kyagr.com/ky-agnews/press-releases/2024/Kentucky-Agricultural-Development-Board-approves-more-than-3.5-million-for-projects-across-the-Commonwealth.html

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board