Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $653,688 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.

” A thriving agricultural community is achieved through a rich diversification of agricultural products,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is working to create greater diversification through projects like those approved today. The work the board does strengthens the fabric of our farms, our farm families, and our state.”

County and State Funded Projects

• Farmers Choice, LLC was approved for multi-county funds with an option of a Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund participation loan, not to exceed a total of $250,000 to purchase a grain cleaner and four 150,000-bushel grain bins. For more information, contact Dwight Unruh at farmerchoice23@gmail.com.
• The Owensboro Catholic Consolidated School Systems, Inc. was approved up to $658 in county funds to purchase grow lights and heat mats for its greenhouse. For more information, contact Savannah French at savannah.french@owensborocatholioc.org.
• Red Haven Farm, LLC was approved up to $70,000 in multi-county funds to construct the Red Haven Country Store. For more information, contact Sandra Ross at sandy@redhavenky.com.
• Sunnyside Egg Co. LLC was approved up to $89,443 in county funds matched by state funds to scale regenerative egg production. For more information, contact Patrick Samuels at psamuels@sunnysideeggco.com.

County Programs

County Agricultural Incentives 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 incentive areas, including, but not limited to, beef and dairy cattle; farm infrastructure, fencing, and water enhancement; equine; forage; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; bees and honey; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; marketing; and value-added production.

Two CAIPs, totaling $243,587, were approved by the board in the following counties:

• Daviess ($20,587)*
• Jackson ($223,000)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP will be advertised locally.

Source - https://www.morningagclips.com