Kentucky: Office of Minority Empowerment

Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

Created by the 2000 General Assembly for the general purpose of agricultural development in the Commonwealth. Additional information on the following programs if available at http://agpolicy.ky.gov/.

County Model Cost-share Programs

Provide cost-share assistance to individual producers through local administrative organizations. Those interested should check with their County Cooperative Extension Office for programs available in their county and how to apply.

Non-model Projects

The Agricultural Development Board invites anyone with a project that does not fit within the model program guidelines, yet fulfills an aspect of the Board's Investment Philosophy: The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board will invest monies from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund in innovative proposals that increase net farm income and effect tobacco farmers, tobacco-impacted communities, and agriculture across the state through stimulating markets for Kentucky agricultural products, finding new ways to add value to Kentucky agricultural products, and exploring new opportunities for Kentucky farms and farm products.

Competitive Awards Programs

These programs provide state funding on a competitive basis for two investment areas that have received much publicity over the past few years and have unique needs: farmers' markets and agri-tourism.

Entrepreneurship Program

Provides information on business resources and education through the Internet (http://agpolicy.ky.gov/kcade) and through its quarterly publication "KCADE Bulletin." Other funding opportunities are also posted on the above website, as well as in a monthly electronic publication "Grant Bytes." Potential and current agricultural entrepreneurs may contact staff for assistance in locating resources available in their area.

Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation: provides capital access for agricultural diversification and infrastructure projects. The following programs are offered through KAFC and each have different eligibility requirements and guidelines. Please visit http://kafc.ky.gov/ for specific details on each program.

Agricultural Infrastructure Loan Program

Designed to help Kentucky's agricultural producers who have a history of tobacco involvement finance long-term projects that will improve their financial viability.

Agricultural Processing Loan Program

Designed to provide loan opportunities to companies and individuals in Kentucky interested in agricultural processing.

Coordinated Value-Added Assistance Loan Program

Designed to provide loan opportunities to companies and individuals in Kentucky who create contract production opportunities for other agricultural producers.

Beginning Farmer Loan Program

Designed to assist individuals with farming experience who desire to develop, expand or buy into a farming operation.

Linked Deposit Investment Program

Provides financing assistance to any person or entity in Kentucky engaged in an agricultural endeavor.

Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy