FRANKFORT (April 21, 2023) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,848,301 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.
“Supporting the diversity of Kentucky agriculture supports the future of Kentucky’s agriculture,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The projects awarded grants today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is an excellent reminder that helping agriculture progress, helps every resident in our state.”
County and State Funded Projects
- Bluegrass Land Conservancy, Inc. was approved $400,950 in state funds to support the external costs of closing conservation easements on Kentucky farms. For more information, contact Jessie Hancock at [email protected].
- Bourbon County Fair & Horse Show was approved $25,000 in Bourbon County funds to support the installation of materials for a new livestock barn. For more information, contact Beth Graves at [email protected].
- Drone-Agri of Kentucky, LLC was approved $5,000 in Woodford County funds to purchase necessary items for their startup drone services. For more information, contact Jim Thompson at [email protected].
- Madison County Farm Bureau Federation was approved $3,897 in Madison County funds to aid in the purchase of grain bin rescue equipment. For more information, contact Todd Maupin at [email protected].
- Murray State University Center for Agricultural Hemp was approved $247,500 in state funds over a two-year period to help establish the Kentucky Fiber Hemp Farming Network and assist in establishing a consistent supply with Fibonacci/Hempwood. For more information, contact Dr. Brian Parr at [email protected].
- Purchase Coop, LLC was approved $15,500 in state funds to support the cost of a feasibility study to explore the possibility of replacing the granary destroyed by the 2021 tornado, Mayfield Grain. For more information, contact Jed Clark at [email protected].
- Sunflower Fuels, LLC was approved $150,000 in state funds to evaluate the feasibility of producing energy crops on reclaimed mine land for the biofuels industry. For more information, contact [email protected].
County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP)
CAIP provides Kentucky agricultural producers with cost-share assistance on practices to allow them to improve and diversify their current farm operations. CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas, including, but not limited to, bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value-added production.
Eight CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $813,317:
- Barren ($93,000)*
- Caldwell ($1,390)*
- Clay ($270,000)
- Gallatin ($150,000)
- Grayson ($150,000)
- Jefferson ($20,000)
- Letcher ($40,313)
- Logan ($88,614)
Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)
The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally-sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers.
Two DAR programs were approved by the board totaling $19,000:
- Bracken ($4,000)
- Clark ($15,000)
Shared-Use Equipment Program
The Shared-Use Equipment Program assists broad-based community organizations with the purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased is made available for producer use in a specific county on a leased basis.
Four Shared-Use Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $73,137:
- Henry ($16,250)
- Henry ($9,750)
- Madison ($20,249)
- Madison ($26,888)
Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)
YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.
Two YAIPs were approved by the board totaling $95,000:
- Logan ($80,000)
- Owen ($15,000)
All application periods and deadlines for CAIP and YAIP will be advertised locally.
*Existing programs receiving additional funding.
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