Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy
Murray State University Awarded Multi-County Agri-Energy Grant

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 21, 2010) - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, approved the Western Regional Center for Emerging Technology Inc. for $29,000 in Agricultural Development Funds ($25,000 state / $2,000 each from Graves, Todd Counties) and $25,000 in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to implement a multi-county program for the development of western Kentucky's emerging bio-energy industry. 

“Farming and energy are two keystones of Kentucky industry and its future, and can have a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Gov. Beshear. “With the help of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, we are positioning agriculture to be a leader in the development of alternative energy sources.”

The goal of this program to develop a farm-based agri-energy infrastructure and projects in the MSU service region.  A key to this program is that it will involve farmer exploration of new agricultural biomass and bio-based product ventures.

“Gov. Beshear’s Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future:  Kentucky’s 7-Point Energy Strategy emphasizes the importance of new strategies for producing and consuming energy,” said Roger Thomas, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy.  “Through various projects, such as this one, Kentucky agriculture is playing an important role in Kentucky’s energy strategy.”

The recipient indicates that this program will benefit western Kentucky farmers, former tobacco growers and foresters by expanding the acreage of the most profitable bioenergy crops and trees; organizing business relationships with bioenergy companies to maximize profitability for farmers and foresters; and, assisting in the establishment of biomass processing businesses with the highest likelihood of success.

The Multi-County Agricultural Energy Initiative is a program that encourages regional collaboration by providing a 1:1 match with ARRA funds and state Agricultural Development Funds for agriculturally related renewable energy projects.  This program is the result of the partnership between GOAP and the Department for Energy Development & Independence.

This project was one of the 15 proposals approved at the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board’s May business meeting.

For more information about AgBioworks, visit www.agbioworks.org or contact Loretta Daniel with Murray State University Regional Business and Innovation Center at (270) 809-6071 or loretta.daniel@murraystate.edu.

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Governor Steve Beshear and the Kentucky Legislature continue to make great strides toward lessening Kentucky’s dependence on tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50 percent of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. 

The Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy provides a direct link between the Governor and one of the Commonwealth’s most important industries.  For more information about the Multi-County Energy Initiative, contact Bryan Thomas at (502) 564-4627, (502) 330-7023 or visit agpolicy.ky.gov. 

The mission  of the Department for Energy Development Independence (DEDI) is to improve the quality and security of life for all Kentuckians by creating efficient, sustainable energy solutions and strategies; by protecting the environment; and by creating a base for strong economic growth.  To learn more about DEDI visit www.energy.ky.gov. 

The Recovery Act signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009 includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.  For more information about what is being done with Kentucky’s ARRA funding visit kentuckyatwork.ky.gov.