|
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear Affirms Support for Kentucky’s Farmers
Speaks at 2011 Agriculture Policy Conference
BOWLING GREEN– Gov. Steve Beshear was joined today by USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP) Executive Director Roger Thomas as he addressed agricultural leaders from across Kentucky on the issues facing farmers today and pledged his continued support for aiding the Commonwealth’s agricultural industry.
“For the past three years I have supported Kentucky’s farmers, from providing funding to farmers hit hard by drought to providing incentives so farmers are a part of Kentucky’s energy future,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m committed to giving our farmers the tools and resources they need to remain competitive.”
SUPPORT FOR FARMERS
Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund: The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, chaired by Gov. Beshear, has provided more than $71.4 million to almost 750 state, regional and county projects, including:
- More than $50.1 million in direct farmer cost-share incentives;
- More than $6.2 million to enhance Kentucky’s official branding program - Kentucky Proud;
- More than $655,000 to assist local farmers’ markets.
Loans for Farmers: The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation, administered by GOAP, has approved more than $22.3 million in low-interest agricultural loans for farmers since Dec. 2007. These loans have gone to programs as varied as:
- Large/Food Animal Veterinary Incentives Loan— program addresses declining number of large animal veterinary practices by providing low-interest financing for veterinarians who establish or expand large/food animal services.
- Diversification through Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Loan—program provides low-interest financing to agri-entrepreneurs who are attempting to diversify their farming operations through non-traditional means.
Relief for Struggling Farmers: In 2008, Gov. Beshear created the Kentucky Agricultural Relief Effort (KARE) initiative to aid farmers whose crops were devastated by late spring freezes and summer droughts. This initiative provided more than $10.9 million in state and county funds to lessen the impact of future weather problems.
In addition, Kentucky has been hard hit by a catastrophic amount of weather-related disasters over the past few years. Recognizing the devastation that extreme weather conditions can have on crops, Gov. Beshear requested disaster declarations and assistance for farms as a result of the 2008 statewide drought, which affected all 120 counties; the 2009 winter ice storm and spring wind damage; and the 2010 storms that drenched the state and caused widespread flooding.
Assistance to Diversify Farming Practices: In 2009, Gov. Beshear combined 13 programs into a single unified funding entity, the County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP), to provide farmers with incentives to improve current production practices and diversify farming operations. 104 of 120 Kentucky counties have offered the CAIP program since its inception, providing more than $24 million in cost-share incentives.
FIGHTING FOR KENTUCKY’S FARM INDUSTRIES
Promoting Kentucky Products: Both Gov. Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear have encouraged “buy local” efforts across Kentucky to boost economic agricultural growth, hosting the first farmers’ market ever held on the Capitol grounds and incorporating a farmers’ market into the annual Governor’s Derby Celebration.
Fostering Energy Efficiency and Biofuel Production: Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has identified the increasingly mutually-beneficial relationship between farming and energy – two keystones of Kentucky industry and its future by establishing the On-farm Energy Efficiency and Production Incentives Program. To date, nearly $1 million has been awarded in federal grants for on-farm energy initiatives impacting 90 farmers, multi-county energy initiatives and regional farm energy education events.
In 2009, Gov. Beshear established the Executive Task Force on Biomass and Biofuels Development to facilitate the development of a sustainable biomass and biofuels industry in Kentucky. The Task Force issued a report that estimated biomass production and processing can generate up to $3.4 billion of net output annually, along with 10,000 jobs.
Assistance from the Federal Government: Gov. Beshear also garnered support from fellow governors in urging the federal government to help struggling farmers in the dairy and pork industries. In response, the United States Department of Agriculture purchased $30 million in additional pork for government feeding programs and increased dairy support prices, resulting in an increase of $243 million in revenue for dairy farmers.
“Agriculture is a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy – providing jobs, food and energy,” said Gov. Beshear. “My administration is determined to ensure farmers receive the support they need and to keep Kentucky a nationwide leader in agriculture.”
###
|