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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Recognizes Value of Agriculture in Woodford County
Ceremonial check presented to Woodford County Agriculture Advancement Council for On-farm Investments
VERSAILLES, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today presented a ceremonial check to the Woodford County Agriculture Advancement Council from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) to support Kentucky’s agriculture and rural economy. Gov. Beshear, who chairs the KADF, presented the check for $200,000 to provide cost-share for on-farm improvements through the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP).
“As Governor, I am proud and honored to serve as chairman of the Agricultural Development Board, because I know the importance of this fund to the future of our farmers,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am committed to creating opportunities that will make Kentucky’s agricultural community stronger. This Agricultural Development Fund program plays an integral role in achieving that goal for Woodford County farm families.”
To date, more than $334 million in Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds have been invested in an array of state, regional and county projects throughout the Commonwealth. Over the last decade, Woodford County has been allotted more than $2.9 million from the KADF.
“The County Agricultural Investment Program has provided opportunities for many across the Commonwealth and continues to do so in Woodford County,” said Sen. Julian Carroll, of Frankfort. “This investment will help farm families as they diversify or modernize their farm operations.”
“It is exciting to see Woodford County farm families benefit from the Ag. Development Fund through this on-farm investment program,” said Rep. Carl Rollins, of Midway. “The diversification of agriculture in Woodford County and the strength of our rural economy are greatly aided by these funds.”
The County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve current production practices and assist in diversifying farming operations. CAIP provides producers 11 investment areas from which to choose. Woodford County is one of 104 counties that have offered this program to their producers.
Within the 11 investment areas a wide variety of agricultural enterprises are available, including commercial production of aquaculture; bees and honey; equine; forage; fruit; livestock; mushrooms; ornamental horticulture; poultry; rabbits; timber; and vegetables, as well as agritourism business development; commercial kitchens; energy efficiency and production; and on-farm water enhancement. Last year, most of Woodford County farmers receiving cost-share through this program invested in agricultural diversification, cattle genetics improvement, fencing, forage improvement, handling facilities and hay storage.
For more information about this program in Woodford County, contact Chris Jeffcoat with the cooperative extension service at (859) 873-4601 or chris.jeffcoat@uky.edu.
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