Report on Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Funding and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

On July 21, 2025, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board allocated $3,433,566 to projects aimed at agricultural diversification and rural development. This investment directly supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability across the Commonwealth.

The funding strategy, as articulated by Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, focuses on investments that empower farm families and strengthen rural communities, aligning with a comprehensive sustainable development framework.

State-Funded Initiatives and SDG Contributions

A series of state-funded projects have been approved, each contributing to specific SDGs through targeted interventions in infrastructure, education, and production efficiency.

• Berea College, Grow Appalachia ($440,953): This funding for the Eastern Kentucky Direct Integrated Grower Support Program (EKY-DIGS) promotes efficient and profitable farming. It directly addresses SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by advancing sustainable agricultural practices and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing farm profitability and regional economic stability.
• Dino’s Farm LLC ($260,000): The acquisition of a meat processing facility supports local food systems and value-added production. This initiative contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by building resilient local infrastructure and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by strengthening local supply chains.
• Creekside Veterinary Clinic ($66,336): Investment in new medical equipment and livestock facilities enhances animal health services. This supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring livestock health, which is integral to food safety and public health.
• Hancock County Cattleman’s Association LTD ($5,000): The Youth Agriculture Production Cost-Share Program fosters the next generation of agricultural professionals, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing practical learning opportunities for youth.

County-Level Programs Advancing Sustainable Development

The board approved funding for several county-level programs designed to provide widespread support to producers, with a clear impact on multiple SDGs.

County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP)

A total of $2,527,839 was allocated to 19 counties to help producers diversify operations and improve infrastructure. This program is a key driver for:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): By enabling producers to improve and diversify, the program enhances income potential in rural areas.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Funding for enterprises from livestock to horticulture directly improves food production capacity.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Cost-share assistance for infrastructure, fencing, and technology modernizes farm operations.

1. Bullitt ($82,500)
2. Christian ($150,000)
3. Clinton ($110,222)
4. Elliott ($141,916)
5. Garrard ($42,000)
6. Graves ($37,526)
7. Hart ($250,000)
8. Henry ($264,000)
9. Hickman ($45,500)
10. LaRue ($125,000)
11. Laurel ($157,500)
12. McCracken ($124,831)
13. Metcalfe ($191,565)
14. Pendleton ($175,981)
15. Pike ($40,000)
16. Rockcastle ($120,416)
17. Russell ($208,224)
18. Taylor ($125,000)
19. Warren ($135,658)

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

With $39,625 allocated to three counties, this program ensures environmentally sound disposal of deceased livestock. This directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by preventing environmental contamination and protecting public health.

Shared-Use Equipment Program

An allocation of $26,063 to Metcalfe County will facilitate the purchase of community-shared farm equipment. This promotes SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by increasing producer access to essential technology and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering a collaborative, resource-sharing model.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

Four counties received a total of $67,750 to encourage youth participation in agriculture. This investment in the future workforce aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by building skills and creating pathways to careers in a vital economic sector.

Addressed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Identified SDG Targets

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: “By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers…” The article highlights several programs aimed at this target. The Eastern Kentucky Direct Integrated Grower Support Program (EKY-DIGS) is designed to “help Eastern Kentucky farmers adopt efficient production practices, which will lead to growth in the agriculture sector and more profitable farms.” The County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP) provides cost-share assistance for producers “to improve and diversify their current farm operations.”
   • Target 2.4: “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices…” The funding for CAIP, which covers “farm infrastructure, fencing, and water enhancement,” directly supports the implementation of resilient agricultural practices.
   • Target 2.a: “Increase investment… in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development…” The entire article is about the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approving over $3.4 million in state and county funds for projects. This includes investments in a meat processing facility, a veterinary clinic, and shared-use equipment, all of which enhance agricultural productive capacity.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The article’s headline and content repeatedly emphasize “agricultural diversification.” Projects like funding Dino’s Farm LLC to purchase a meat processing facility represent a focus on value-added production, which contributes to higher economic productivity.
   • Target 8.3: “Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation…” The board’s approval of $3,433,566 for various projects is a direct implementation of a development-oriented policy. It supports entrepreneurship by funding small enterprises like Dino’s Farm LLC and Creekside Veterinary Clinic.
   • Target 8.6: “By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.” The Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) is explicitly designed to “encourage youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities,” directly addressing youth engagement in productive activities.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development…” The funding for specific infrastructure projects aligns with this target. This includes the purchase of a “meat processing facility and its equipment,” new “medical equipment and livestock facilities” for a veterinary clinic, and the “Shared-Use Equipment Program” which purchases farm equipment for community use.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.5: “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.” The Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR) Program, which “serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock,” is a direct effort to manage agricultural waste responsibly and reduce its environmental impact.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Target 2.3 (Productivity and Income)

   • Indicator: Total funding allocated to programs supporting farm improvement and diversification. The article states a total of $3,433,566 was approved, with $2,527,839 specifically for the County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP).
   • Indicator: Number of farmers or producers assisted. While not giving a total number, the article implies this can be measured by tracking participants in programs like EKY-DIGS and CAIP across 19 counties.

2. Target 8.3 (Support for Enterprises)

   • Indicator: Number of enterprises and projects receiving financial support. The article lists specific funded projects, such as Berea College, Creekside Veterinary Clinic, and Dino’s Farm LLC.
   • Indicator: Amount of investment in rural development and agricultural diversification. The total approved funding of $3,433,566 serves as a primary indicator.

3. Target 8.6 (Youth Engagement)

   • Indicator: Number of youth-focused agricultural programs funded. The article states that four Youth Agricultural Incentives Programs (YAIPs) were approved.
   • Indicator: Total funding allocated to youth programs. The article specifies a total of $67,750 for the four YAIPs.

4. Target 9.1 (Infrastructure Development)

   • Indicator: Number and type of infrastructure projects funded. The article identifies funding for one meat processing facility, one veterinary clinic upgrade, and one shared-use equipment program.

5. Target 12.5 (Waste Management)

   • Indicator: Number of programs for environmentally sound waste disposal. The article mentions that three Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR) programs were approved.
   • Indicator: Funding allocated to waste management programs. The article states a total of $39,625 was approved for the DAR programs.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: morningagclips.com