$118,000 in Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds awarded

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, recently awarded $118,000 in Clinton County Agricultural Development Funds for a County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP). The Clinton County Farm Bureau submitted a proposal to the Clinton County Agricultural Development Council and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board to provide cost-share incentives to area farmers.

“To remain viable, our farmers must continue adapting to an evolving world and the technological advances it is producing,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am committed to giving our farmers the tools and resources they need to remain competitive and continue Kentucky’s strong farming tradition. The KADF County Agricultural Investment Program provides incentives for farmers to try new techniques and technologies to keep their operations competitive and continue this tradition.”

CAIP is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices. CAIP combines what were previously known as county model cost-share programs into one, where each model program becomes an investment area.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund continues to play an important role in diversification across the Commonwealth,” said Sen. Sara Beth Gregory, of Monticello. “I am pleased that our farm families in Clinton County have the opportunity to enhance their farm operations through this investment program.”

“I am pleased with the Agricultural Development Board’s commitment through CAIP,” said House Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover, of Jamestown. “The diversification of agriculture in Clinton County is greatly aided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. These cost-share incentives will assist our local farmers in maximizing their economic potential.”

CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 10 investment areas, including commercial production of aquaculture; bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; and timber, as well as energy efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value-added production.

Applications will be available for producers to pick up at the Clinton County Extension Office, starting Monday, May 12. Completed applications are due back to the Extension Office by 4 p.m. CDT, on Friday, May 23.

An informational meeting covering program updates and the producer application will be held at the Clinton County Fairgrounds on Thursday, May 15, at 6 p.m.

For more information about the sign-up period and the complete guidelines for this program in Clinton County, contact Colby Guffey with the extension service at 606-387-5404 or 606-688-1950.