CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — Applications are available for Martin County farmers seeking cost-share assistance through the 2026 County Agricultural Investment Program. An information session is set for 5 p.m. Monday, July 20, at the Martin County Cooperative Extension Office.

The application period opened July 14 and will continue through Aug. 11. Farmers may pick up applications at the Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District office on the third floor of the Collier Center in Inez. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Monday’s meeting will cover eligibility requirements, the application process, approved investment areas, reimbursement guidelines and important deadlines. Local program representatives will also answer questions.

The program is open to beginning farmers and experienced agricultural producers.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $40,000 in CAIP funding for Martin County in May. The allocation created a local pool of funds that qualifying producers may apply for, rather than awarding the full amount to a single farmer or organization.

CAIP reimburses a portion of eligible expenses after an approved producer completes the project. Producers are eligible for assistance up to the county’s maximum cost-share limit, with awards capped at $5,000 per producer statewide during a program year.

CAIP covers 11 incentive areas, including beef and dairy cattle; farm infrastructure, fencing and water enhancement; equine; forage; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; bees and honey; timber and technology; energy efficiency and production; marketing; and value-added production.

For more information or assistance, contact Evelyn Spence at 606-298-3595.