New Kentucky Proud Program Opens Doors for Businesses

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has introduced a new merchandise licensing program through Kentucky Proud, giving eligible businesses more opportunities to promote their connection to the state.

Kentucky Proud is the Commonwealth’s official agricultural marketing brand, representing products grown, raised, and produced in Kentucky. Since its establishment in 2002, the brand has achieved more than 87 percent statewide consumer recognition while helping local businesses build sustainable markets for their products.

Through the new co-licensing initiative, eligible businesses can apply for permission to feature the Kentucky Proud brand on approved merchandise.

Potential products include clothing, drinkware, home goods, accessories, decorative items, promotional merchandise, and other goods that reflect the brand’s identity and mission.

“For more than two decades, Kentucky Proud has been the standard for the best products our Commonwealth has to offer,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said.

“This new program builds on that legacy by giving businesses another tool to tell the story of Kentucky ag and the people who make it successful.”

The program is intended to expand brand visibility while maintaining quality standards and protecting Kentucky Proud’s identity. Unlike programs that allow unrestricted logo use, this initiative requires individual reviews of proposed merchandise.

Businesses must obtain written approval for final artwork before manufacturing, advertising, or selling products featuring Kentucky Proud intellectual property.

“We're excited to create another way for businesses to tell the Kentucky story and for consumers to show their Kentucky pride,” said Alexis Smith, Director of Promotion & Development for Kentucky Proud.

“This program allows us to expand the reach of the Kentucky Proud brand while being thoughtful about the quality and integrity of the products that carry it.”

The initiative creates another marketing opportunity for Kentucky businesses while giving consumers additional ways to demonstrate their support for Kentucky agriculture and locally produced goods.

Businesses interested in participating can review the licensing guidelines and access the application through the official Kentucky Proud website at kyproud.com/programs/merchandise-licensing.

Photo Credit: kentucky-proud