FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 21, 2012) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), chaired by Governor Steve Beshear, today approved $2,251,164 in 23 agricultural diversification projects across the Commonwealth during its September board meeting.

State and regional investments included:

$33,255 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Award (Lincoln Co.) The Lincoln County Farmers Market was approved for $21,255 in state funds and $12,000 in Lincoln County funds to construct a 32’ x 88’ clear-span wood-post building for the market through the 2012 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Competitive Awards Program.

$40,000 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Award (Breathitt Co.) The UK Research Foundation on behalf of the Robinson Center Farmers’ Market was approved for $20,000 in state funds and $20,000 in Breathitt County funds to construct a permanent facility for the market in Breathitt County through the 2012 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Competitive Awards Program.

$25,000 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Award (Muhlenberg Co.) The Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court was approved for $25,000 in state funds to construct a 1,500-square-foot open pavilion for Muhlenberg County Farmers’ Market through the 2012 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Competitive Awards Program.

$20,489 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Award (Owsley Co.) The Owsley County Board of Education was approved for $20,489 in state funds to construct a 100’ x 40’ facility for the Owsley County Farmers’ Market through the 2012 Farmers’ Market Infrastructure Competitive Awards Program.

County investments approved included:

$14,600 Youth Cost-Share Program The Green River Area Beef Improvement Group (GRABIG) was approved for $14,600 in Daviess County funds to provide a youth cost-share program for Daviess County youth to develop successful agricultural production enterprises.

The County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices. CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas. Ten CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $1,839,063 for Adair, Christian, Laurel, Magoffin, Metcalfe, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Trigg and Warren counties.

In addition to these new approvals, an additional $244,700 was approved to supplement existing CAIPs in the following counties: Casey, Garrard and Jessamine.

The Deceased Farm Animal Disposal Assistance Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers. Three County Deceased Farm Animal Disposal Assistance Programs were approved for Casey, Christian and Nicholas counties totaling $22,500.

The Shared-use Equipment Program is designed to benefit a high number of producers who cannot justify ownership expenses associated with certain equipment by helping them access technology necessary to improve their operations in an economical manner. Two Shared-use Equipment Programs were approved by the board in the amount of $11,557 for Christian and Pulaski counties.

Source: Press release courtesy of Govenor's Office of Ag Policy