By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
The Kentucky General Assembly concluded its 2024 regular session on April 15. In addition to the numerous bills that were passed there were also “several key advancements” secured by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture including a bigger allotment for county fair grants, which will go towards improving fair facilities.
“The support our legislators showed for Kentucky agriculture was immense during the latest session,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “As a former State Representative, I’m fully aware of the demands, time, and workload the legislative session can be for our elected officials. But their acknowledgment of agriculture’s worth within our state was showcased in the funding and bills passed during this session. This year’s budget is full of growth and opportunities for Kentucky’s agriculture industry, farm families, and many other industry beneficiaries.”
During the legislative session KDA was allocated $21.6 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2025 and $22.7 million in fiscal year 2026. While the allotment also included funds for emergency preparedness it also included $750,000 each year for “County Fair Grants that improve county fair facilities.”
William Myatt, a member of the Temple Hill Lions Club that annually puts on the Barren County Fair, said the club has applied for KDA grants in the past and is considering doing so again this year, though the grant will be applied to the next year as KDA grant recipients are announced in October.
KDA’s budget also includes increased investment in diverse community programs that will have broad agricultural impacts across the state, such as:
- $1 million in each fiscal year for the Raising Hope Initiative which focuses on Kentucky rural mental health, suicide prevention and farm safety;
- $850,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 and $1 million in 2026 for the Farms to Food Banks program, which connects Kentucky producers with food banks who help those who are food insecure across the state; and
Outside of the general budget funds, legislators demonstrated a commitment to investment in Kentucky agriculture by earmarking $5 million for agricultural economic development. When secured, the funding will help incentivize and locate agricultural projects in the Commonwealth, bolstering the industry, supply chain, and farming families from Pikeville to Paducah.
In addition, $38.9 million for fiscal year 2025 and $39.9 million for 2026 was allocated out of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement for the Agricultural Development Fund. Through this fund, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation provide grants, incentives, and low-interest loans to help farmers and agribusinesses innovate and grow.
This information was obtained through a Kentucky Department of Agriculture press release. To view the full release click here.
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