Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approves over $3.3 million for projects across the commonwealth

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Approves Funding for Agricultural Diversification and Rural Development Projects

At its monthly board meeting, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3,336,949 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth.

The projects funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board continue to push forward diversification efforts across Kentucky’s agriculture pursuits. This strengthens our agriculture communities, which also means a stronger Kentucky.

County and State Funded Projects

• Adair County Board of Education approved up to $50,000 in Adair County funds to support the construction of a greenhouse at the Adair County Agriculture Facility.
• Berea College, Grow Appalachia, was approved up to $322,260 in state funds to run the Eastern Kentucky Direct Integrated Grower Support Program (EKY-DIGS).
• Gate Keeper Cattle Company was approved up to $8,000 in Union County funds to aid in the purchase of equipment for the mobile meat retail business.
• The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD), Inc. was approved up to $900,000 in state funds over two years to deliver technical assistance and provide educational opportunities to agricultural and rural businesses.
• Kentucky State University (KSU) was approved up to $1,359,000 in state funds over a two-year period (2024-2025) to aid in continuing its KSU Mini-Grant Program to help producers across the commonwealth.
• Logan Premium Meats and Processing LLC was approved up to $3,000 in state funds to support the expenses of pursuing a Halal Certification.
• Reid’s Orchard was approved up to $10,700 in Daviess County funds to purchase a 5-ton compressor, evaporator, and cooling system for their business.

State Programs

On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program

The On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program provides incentives for Kentucky farm families to increase the energy efficiency of existing equipment or facilities on the farm.

Nine On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Programs were approved by the board in the following counties totaling $72,759:

1. Hancock ($10,150)
2. Hancock ($10,150)
3. Madison ($10,150)
4. Monroe ($3,280)
5. Monroe ($10,150)
6. Monroe ($10,150)
7. Wayne ($3,015)
8. Wayne ($5,564)
9. Wayne ($10,150)

Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program

The Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program funds Kentucky farm families, businesses, and processors to increase their efficiency and food safety protocol through sound consultation services.

One Food Safety and Efficiency Incentives Program was approved by the board in Laurel County, totaling $3,750.

Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program

The Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program provides funding for Kentucky veterinarians to increase service to large and food animals in the state. Applicants may receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for eligible expenditures not exceeding $100,000 in state and county funds as a lifetime limit.

Two Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Programs were approved by the board in the following counties, totaling $158,145:

1. Allen ($60,545)
2. Bracken ($97,600)

County Programs

County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP)

The County Agricultural Investment Program (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, 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.

The board approved four CAIPs in the following counties, totaling $384,935:

1. Adair ($7,500)*
2. Hardin ($160,000)
3. Kenton ($67,435)
4. Wayne ($150,000)

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR) program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers.

One DAR program was approved by the board in Hardin County, totaling $12,500.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

The Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

The board approved two YAIPs in the following counties totaling $51,900:

1. Harrison ($1,900)*
2. Madison ($50,000)

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

*Existing programs receiving additional funding.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed 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 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Target 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.
• Target 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.
• Target 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.
• Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age.
• Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
• Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
• Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within two kilometers of an all-season road.
• Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
• Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators