Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approves funding for projects across the Commonwealth
Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development
FRANKFORT (Oct. 16, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1,735,890 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth Friday at its monthly board meeting.
“The projects approved today are investments in the future of Kentucky agriculture,” Agriculture Commissioner and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. “These projects will help producers diversify, strengthen their operations, and create new opportunities that keep our farm communities strong for generations to come.”
County and State Funded Projects
- Campbellsville University, Inc. was approved up to $130,510 in state funds to purchase equipment for the Agriculture Department at the University. For more information, contact Monica Hardin at mlhardin@campbellsville.edu.
- Community Agricultural and Nutritional Enterprises, Inc. was approved up to $20,000 in Letcher County funds to help it provide services for a complete farm-to-market approach and a pilot mobile market. For more information, contact Brandon Fleming at brandon@caninc.org.
- Community Farm Alliance, Inc. was approved up to $780,445 in State funds over a two-year period to keep family farms operating and sustainable across the Commonwealth, working to increase farmer income and help markets operate as stable, lasting outlets. For more information, contact Myrisa Christy at myrisa@cfaky.org.
- Cowan Community Action Group, Inc. was approved up to $20,000 in Letcher County funds to construct a community demonstration kitchen, garden, and a greenhouse. For more information, contact Stacy Dollarhide at stacy@cowancommunitycenter.org.
- Cowan Community Action Group, Inc. was approved up to $20,000 in Letcher County funds to support the City of Whitesburg Farmers' Market Pavilion with commercial fans, security cameras, and other items. For more information, contact Stacy Dollarhide at stacy@cowancommunitycenter.org.
- Pine Mountain Perennials LLC was approved up to $5,303 in Letcher County funds to expand the Eastern Kentucky native plant nursery. For more information, contact Martina Hines at hinesmartina98@gmail.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.
Four CAIPs, totaling $702,082 were approved in the following counties:
- Boyd ($38,527)*
- Jessamine ($97,700)*
- Martin ($35,000)*
- Pendleton ($180,855)
- Washington ($150,000)*
- Woodford ($200,000)
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 DARs, totaling $19,800, were approved in the following counties:
- Fleming ($4,800)
- Washington ($15,000)
Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen)
NextGen addresses the growing need for a specialized program that would benefit producers ages 18 to 40 that have been engaged in an agricultural operation for a minimum of three years.
One NextGen, totaling $27,750*, was approved in Washington County.
Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)
YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.
One YAIP, totaling $10,000*, was approved in Washington County.
All application periods and deadlines for CAIP, NextGen, and YAIP will be advertised locally.
For more information on KADB projects, contact Bill McCloskey at Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 382-6093 or email koap@ky.gov.
* Existing programs receiving additional funding
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