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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Recognizes Value of Agriculture in Edmonson County
Ceremonial check presented to Edmonson County Cattleman’s Association for On-farm Investments
BROWNSVILLE, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today presented a ceremonial check to the Edmonson County Cattleman’s Association 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 $86,415 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 Edmonson 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, Edmonson County has been allotted nearly a million dollars from the KADF.
“The Ag. Development Fund continues to be an important resource to agriculture across the Commonwealth,” said Sen. David Givens, of Greensburg. “This program will provide opportunities for Edmonson County farm families to diversify and modernize their operations.”
“In these tough economic times, it is exciting that Kentucky is able to provide opportunities for our farm families through the Ag. Development Fund,” said Rep. Dottie Sims, of Horse Cave. “Through this program, Edmonson County farm families can make the necessary on-farm improvements.”
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. Edmonson 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 Edmonson County farmers receiving cost-share through this program invested in cattle handling facilities, fencing improvement, forage improvement and hay storage/handling.
For more information about this program in Edmonson County, contact Royce Vincent with the cattleman’s association at (270) 597-2462 or roycettop@gmail.com.
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