CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

Martin County farmers could receive assistance for projects ranging from fencing and livestock watering systems to farm improvements and marketing. The county received approval for $40,000 through Kentucky’s County Agricultural Incentives Program.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) approved the funding May 15 as part of more than $5.2 million awarded statewide for agricultural diversification and rural development projects.

Martin County was one of 37 counties awarded County Agricultural Incentives Program funding, or CAIP. The program provides cost-share assistance to agricultural producers seeking to improve or expand farm operations.

Unlike direct grant funding, the money does not go to a single farmer or organization. Instead, the allocation creates a local pool of funds administered through the Martin County Agricultural Development Council.

Local producers can apply during an announced application period and, if approved, receive reimbursement for a portion of eligible project expenses after the work is complete.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Chairman Jonathan Shell said the awards will strengthen Kentucky agriculture.

“Diversity in agriculture creates a more robust industry and that is exactly what we are striving for in Kentucky,” Shell said. “The projects awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board builds that foundation of diversity, adding resiliency and strength to our farming communities.”

CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 incentive areas, including, but not limited to, beef and dairy cattle; farm infrastructure, fencing and water enhancement; equine; forage; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; bees and honey; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; marketing; and value-added production

For smaller farms common in Eastern Kentucky, the funding can help offset the cost of improvements that producers may otherwise delay because of expense.

The local council must advertise the application periods and deadlines for CAIP funding.

In addition to Martin County, the KADB approved the following CAIP funding: Adair County $150,000; Boyle County $95,000; Campbell County $28,195; Carroll County $140,659; Casey County $230,000; Christian County $200,000; Clark County $125,000; Crittenden County $72,951; Cumberland County $123,515; Daviess County $100,000; Graves County $45,727; Hancock County $84,339; Henderson County $33,745; Hopkins County $70,000; Jefferson County $30,000; Jessamine County $100,000; Leslie County $75,000; Lincoln County $180,000; Magoffin County $125,000; Marion County $153,090; Marshall County $66,945; Martin County $40,000; Mason County $59,000; McCreary County $28,054; McLean County $28,750; Meade County $64,796; Mercer County $147,835; Montgomery County $130,000; Morgan County $157,046; Muhlenberg County $38,011; Owen County $280,000; Pulaski County $471,301; Spencer County $125,500; Trimble County $141,870; Union County $20,000; Webster County $27,279; and Wolfe County $98,400.

County and state-funded projects

Casey County Veterinary Services, PLLC was approved up to $83,000 in state funds and $17,000 in multi-county funds to build a handling and treatment facility as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program.

Conyea Property Holdings LLC was approved for county-matched state funds as a cost reimbursement grant, with the difference of a forgivable loan, up to $250,000 to purchase and convert an existing facility into a packaging warehouse for produce.

Daviess County Conservation District was approved up to $10,000 in Daviess County funds for the Daviess County Youth Agricultural Production Cost Share Program.

Grayson County Fiscal Court was approved up to $250,000 in state funds and $10,000 in Grayson County funds to construct a farmers market building.

Henry County Cattleman’s Association was approved up to $10,500 in Henry County funds to run a youth cost-share program for FFA and 4-H projects in Henry County.

Historic Homes Foundation dba Farmington was approved for up to $200 in Jefferson County funds and $14,800 in state funds for a feasibility study to establish a farm stop market on its property, including a cafe and cidery.

Rock Solid Veterinary Services, PLLC was approved up to $48,560 in state funds and $9,172 in multi-county funds to purchase a truck and vet box as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program.

Stone Veterinary Clinic PLLC was approved for up to $83,333 in state funds and $16,667 in multi-county funds to expand its large animal haul-in facility and install a hydraulic tilt chute as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program.

Town & Country Animal Services, LLC was approved up to $83,333 in state funds and $16,667 in multi-county funds to purchase cattle handling facilities and the necessary equipment needed to upgrade the existing facility as part of the Large and Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Program.

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound, cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers.

Six Deceased Farm Animal Removal programs totaling $79,625 were approved in Boyle County $15,000; Bracken County $5,000; Clark County $15,000; Marion County $15,000; Montgomery County $15,000; and Taylor County $14,625.

Shared-Use Equipment Program

The Shared-Use Equipment Program assists broad-based community organizations with the purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased is made available for producer use in a specific county on a leased basis.

Four Shared-Use Equipment programs totaling $90,150 were approved in Barren County $33,375; Marion County $2,775; and Monroe County $27,000 for two separate projects totaling $54,000.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP)

YAIP encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities.

Nine Youth Agricultural Incentives Programs totaling $111,000 were approved in Campbell County $2,000; Carroll County $15,000; Clark County $40,000; Hardin County $6,000; Henderson County $10,000; McLean County $3,000; Ohio County $10,000; Trimble County $20,000; and Webster County $5,000.