By Blake Jackson
Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) is taking a stand against the state's agricultural land decline with the launch of the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI). This initiative aims to empower farm families to keep their land actively producing food as they navigate the complexities of ownership transition.
The urgency of the KFTI is underscored by recent statistics. The 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture revealed a concerning trend: Kentucky has lost a staggering 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland over the past two decades.
To address this challenge, the KFTI has established a dedicated online resource – kyfarmlandtransition.com. This website serves as a central hub, connecting families with a network of professionals and resources that can make the land transition process smoother. From attorneys to CPAs, the website offers access to valuable technical assistance throughout the ownership shift.
"Kentucky's farm families are eager to find solutions for keeping their land in active production," said Eddie Melton, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau. "The KFTI is designed to support them by raising awareness and connecting them with the resources they need."
The KFTI focuses on three key objectives:
- Public Education and Involvement: Raising awareness about farmland transition is crucial. The website provides educational materials and encourages public participation in finding solutions.
- Technical Assistance and Resources: The KFTI Network connects families with essential resources, including legal and financial expertise, to navigate the transition process effectively.
- Policy Development: The KFTI recognizes the importance of supportive government policies. Proposals for new policies aimed at easing the burden of farmland transition will be developed and presented to relevant authorities.
The KFTI website goes beyond simply offering resources. It fosters a community by providing a platform for sharing success stories and challenges faced by transitioning farm families. This knowledge exchange can be invaluable for others navigating similar situations.
Furthermore, the website welcomes collaboration from other organizations and businesses with expertise in farmland transition planning. By joining the KFTI Network, these entities can contribute their knowledge, upcoming events, and resources to this critical initiative.
The KFTI website will adapt and grow as families utilize it. Feedback and suggestions submitted by users will be used to identify further programs and resources needed to support a successful transition.
By continuously expanding its resource library over the coming months, the KFTI aspires to empower Kentucky farm families to secure the future of their land and keep agriculture at the forefront of policy considerations.
Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy