Kentucky Agriculture Grants
The state of Kentucky has several agriculture grant programs for farmers and agricultural producers. Kentucky's agriculture is a large part of the state's economy. Moreover, 82 percent of U.S. horse and mule production is in Kentucky. Kentucky is ranked second nationally in tobacco production. The state's grant and loan programs help to defray the costs of operating a farm business.
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Strategic Agricultural Initiative
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The Strategic Agricultural Initiative grant provides up to $100,00 in funding for region-specific pest-management practices, as of 2010. Pest-management projects located in Kentucky are eligible to apply for funding. Projects must address reduced-risk pest-management alternatives in addition to water quality runoff issues, endangered species protection or pollinator protection issues. Universities, hospitals, laboratories, nonprofit organizations and local governments are eligible to apply for funding. A matching contribution is not required to participate in the program.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture Grants
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The Kentucky Department of Agriculture Office of Agriculture Marketing and Promotion offers several grant programs for agricultural producers. The Dead Farm Animal Removal grant provides funding to counties for programs addressing the cost-effective removal of deceased livestock. The Horticulture Advertising and Marketing Development Grant provides a 50 percent match up to $1,000, as of March 2011, for advertising and promoting Kentucky-grown horticultural products. Kentucky Proud is a farm marketing grant program; Kentucky farms and businesses that grow, raise or manufacture agricultural products are eligible to apply for funding. Grants cover up to 50 percent of eligible promotional and advertising expenses.
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On-Farm Energy Efficiency & Production Incentives Grant
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In 2011, Governor Steve Beshear announced that 100 farm families were receiving a grant from the On-Farm Energy Efficiency & Production Incentives program. The program is funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and the U.S. Department of Energy. Grant recipients receive a 25 percent reimbursement for the costs of a federally qualified energy-saving project, up to $10,000. Eligible project costs include energy audits, energy-efficient farm building components, on-farm energy upgrades, on-farm energy efficiency training and biomass energy production activities.
Kentucky Beginning Farmer Loan Program
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The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation offers the Beginning Farmer Loan Program to farmers who have operated a farm for less than 10 years. The loan can be used toward the purchase of livestock, equipment, agricultural facilities or permanent working capital. As of August 2011, the farmer can obtain a loan of up to $250,000 or 50 percent of the project costs, whichever is less. The farmer must have participated in the farm's business operations for a minimum of three years to qualify for the loan program. The Beginning Farmer loan has a two percent interest rate for the life of the loan.
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