By Blake Jackson
Central Kentucky, steeped in agricultural tradition, is sprouting a new initiative to cultivate Ag-Tech startups. The Bluegrass Ag-Tech Development Corporation, a collaboration between Lexington, the state's Department of Agriculture, University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, and All-Tech, aims to nurture innovation in the region's farming sector.
Bob Helton, the Corporation's Executive Director, sees Kentucky's diverse geography as a fertile ground for Ag-Tech: "from vast western farmlands to central Kentucky's equine industry and eastern mountains' unique needs," he explains.
Their goals stretch beyond mere profit. "We want a resilient regional food system," Helton says, learning from pandemic-exposed supply chain vulnerabilities. Building local production of food and agricultural input like fertilizer is a key focus.
Despite past setbacks, Helton emphasizes the persistent interest in Kentucky's Ag-Tech potential. This new partnership, with its blend of government support, academic expertise, and private-sector drive, aims to make Kentucky a thriving hub for cutting-edge agricultural solutions.
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Categories: Kentucky, Business