More than $250,000 invested in diversification projects
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 20, 2014) — The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $254,886 for 10 agricultural diversification projects across the state during its June board meeting.
Biological Prospects LLC was approved for $23,863 in state funds for a three-year study of smooth sumac by the Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center. The study will include the cultivating, harvesting and processing of 10 acres of smooth sumac – a Kentucky native plant. The plant contains tannins and flavonoids that can be used as an anti-diabetic treatment. The goal of this project is to see if extraction protocols can be developed that would make commercial-scale production economically feasible. For more information about this project, contact Patrick Lawless, president, at 866-721-1412, 859-494-5317 or [email protected].
Two Deceased Farm Animal Removal Programs were approved for Garrard and Madison counties, totaling $10,000.
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.
The Franklin-Simpson High School Agricultural Education Program was approved for $25,000 in Simpson County funds to construct a state-of-the-art greenhouse to replace the existing 30-year old structure. The greenhouse is used as a learning lab, community education facility and student-run business. For more information about this project, contact Felicia Dalton, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, at 270-586-2019, 270-586-1793 or [email protected].
Three County Agricultural Investment Programs were approved by the board totaling $92,600 for Bourbon, Jefferson and Jessamine counties.
In addition to these new approvals, an additional $72,500 was approved to supplement an existing CAIP in Garrard County.
CAIP is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices in an effort to increase net farm income. CAIP covers a wide variety of on-farm agricultural enterprises in its 10 investment areas, including production, marketing and value-added processing. Three CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $92,600 for Bourbon, Jefferson and Jessamine counties.
The Shelby County Cooperative Extension Service was approved for $1,150 in Shelby County funds to promote the sale of horticultural, agricultural and other products produced by Kentucky Proud enterprises located in Shelby County. The goal of this promotional program – Rooted in Shelby – is to increase the visibility of Shelby County agricultural products. For more information about this project, contact Lisa Davis at 502-533-5779 or [email protected]m.
One Shared-use Equipment Program was approved by the board for Madison County, totaling $29,773. The 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.
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