Agricultural Development Board approves more than $2.1 million for projects across the state – WBKO

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Approves Funding for Agricultural Diversification and Rural Development Projects

Today, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $2,195,289 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the state at its monthly board meeting.

“Diversity is what keeps Kentucky agriculture strong and relevant for our producers,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Chair Jonathan Shell. “The projects funded this month by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board will help sustain that diversity, fostering stronger communities and a more prosperous future.

County and State Funded Projects

• Hopkinsville Elevator Company, Inc. was approved up to $300,000 in multi-county funds to renew, expand, and develop rail accessibility.
• Sugarloaf Mountain Meats and Processing was approved up to $3,750 in state funds for funding consultation fees for a PAX Food Safety Consulting, and HACCP certification and training.
• Three Rivers Vet Services was approved up to $56,250 in state and multi-county funds to purchase a truck for large animal ambulatory service as part of the Large & Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program.

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.

Ten CAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $1,724,595:

• Bath: $263,000
• Garrard: $350,000
• Lawrence: $150,000
• Letcher: $49,287
• Madison: $280,000
• Montgomery: $80,000
• Ohio: $135,000
• Owen: $20,000
• Robertson: $276,790
• Wolfe: $120,518

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.

• One DAR was approved by the board in Madison County totaling $10,000.

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.

Two Shared-Use Equipment Programs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $50,694:

• Barren: $21,069
• Madison: $29,625

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Two YAIPs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $50,000:

• Bath: $35,000
• 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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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social, and environmental shocks and disasters.
• SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
• SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
• SDG 11.a: Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
• SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Investment in agricultural diversification and rural development projects
• Renewal, expansion, and development of rail accessibility
• Funding consultation fees for food safety consulting and HACCP certification and training
• Purchase of a truck for large animal ambulatory service
• Cost-share assistance for improving and diversifying farm operations
• Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program
• Shared-Use Equipment Program
• Youth Agricultural Incentives Program

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wbko.com