This week we are featuring the On-Farm Water Management Program, Kentucky Proud: Farm to Fork Grants, and Kentucky State University's Small Scale Farm Grants.
On-Farm Water Management Program
Deadline: On-going in 2019
Funding Amount: Research, Development, and Demo Projects - Up to $250,000 for water management projects on public, regional farms; Practical Implementation Projects - Up to $50,000 for private farms to implement best management practices for water quantity.
Eligible Entities: Kentucky farms
Links: One Page Program Overview, Project Guidelines, and KADF Program Portal (select KADF Project Application)
Overview: The On-Farm Water Management Program is seeking applications that will address and improve water management practices on Kentucky farms. Successful projects will implement water quantity best management practices, develop innovative new methods or adapt old practices; access the feasibility and sustainability of best management practices, and be willing to share project results. For more information contact: Dale Booth at the KY Division of Water, Phone: 502-782-6895, e-mail Dale.Booth@ky.gov.
Kentucky Proud: Farm to Fork
Deadline: On-going, events must take place before November 15, 2019
Funding Amount: 50-50 cost-share for eligible expenses, up to $750 per event
Eligible Entities: Community organizations and agricultural groups. Applicants must designate a registered 501c3 non-profit as the beneficiary of the dinner.
Links: http://www.kyagr.com/marketing/farm-to-fork.html
Overview: The Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Farm to Fork Grant program is designed to help community organizations host Farm to Fork events that promote and build awareness for local food. The proceeds from the events should benefit a farmers market or other local charity. The funds can be used to purchase KY Proud farm products for meals, and promotional and branding materials to promote the events.
Kentucky State University's Small Scale Farm Grant
Deadline: August 1 and October 1, 2019
Funding Amount: Up to $5,000 for farmers and $15,000 for agriculture groups; plus, up to $500 for farmer education
Eligible Entities: Kentucky farmers and Kentucky agriculture groups including farmers markets
Link: http://kysu.edu/academics/cafsss/research-extension/small-scale-farm-grant-program/
Overview: The Kentucky State University's Small Scale Farm Grant was created with the small farmer in mind. The grant application is simple to complete, and the funds can be used to purchase needed equipment related to a proposed project. Applicants can qualify for this grant under one of four categories: aquaculture, USDA certified organic, food insecure area, or value-added products. Farmers markets are often eligible. Previously approved projects have included canning equipment, a water line to a hoop house, a root cellar, a display refrigerator, a cool-bot for vegetables, freezers for keeping meat cool, and maple syrup equipment. Also, there is a separate education application to this program that will help farmers with up to $500 in educational expenses.