With the inception of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) more than 20 years ago, the state’s agriculture industry has transformed into one of the most diverse ag economies in the country. The millions of Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) dollars that have been invested through the KADF by its governing board have helped countless farm families remain on their farms and expand in ways we could only imagine when these investments began.

During the 2021 General Assembly session, Senate Bill 3, which moves the administration of the fund from the Governor’s Office to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), passed. This is not a new idea and has been proposed in past legislation sessions.

Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) has had policy in place for many years supporting the 50 percent allocation of MSA revenue for state agricultural purposes. Our organization also adopted policy last year supporting a move of the fund to KDA.

Ag Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles has emphasized that the purpose and integrity of the fund will not change, and normal processes associated with ongoing funding of agricultural projects will continue as normal.

KFB certainly agrees with Commissioner Quarles and has continually touted the positive effect ag development dollars have had, not only on the agriculture industry, but the state’s economy, as a whole.

We look forward to the continued success of the KADF, and KFB wants to reassure those in our industry that this move will only serve to improve an already very successful program.

Mark Haney, President
Kentucky Farm Bureau