Over the next couple of weeks, we will be showcasing partners in our Growing Your Farm and Food Business Webinar series. These partners provide funding opportunities to Kentucky’s agricultural producers and agribusinesses. In this post, we are learning about Kentucky State University and the assistance they provide.

The Kentucky State University (KYSU) Center for the Sustainability of Farms and Families (CSFF) works to develop resources to provide assistance to small-scale farms. In partnership with the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), KYSU is able to provide mini-grants to small producers in Kentucky ($1,000-$250,000 annual sales).

The maximum funds available per farm, household, or business is $5,000 per application with a lifetime maximum of $10,000. Applicants may also be eligible for up to $500 for educational trainings or materials.

The program offers grants in 6 categories including farmer education. Grant funds cannot be used for the following:

• Motorized vehicles such as trucks, tractors, walk-behinds.

• Labor costs paid to the applicant or their relatives.

• Consumables or expendables such as jars, livestock, feed, trees, or plant materials.

• Partial funding or equipment greater than $10,000. Up to $10,000 on a single piece of equipment requires verified matching funds up to $5,000

VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS

This category includes refinement or change of raw agricultural products to a new product of increased market value such as grains to bread or milk to cheese, soap, and lotions, and cold storage. No production-related equipment will be approved under this category

FOOD INSECURE AREA PRODUCTION

The food insecure category addresses one or more of the following:

Poultry/eggs, meats, animal production (excluding cattle and dairy cattle), or another unique project that will be evaluated on an individual basis. This category can approve some production-related equipment. Applicants must produce or sell in one or more of the 77 eligible counties.

AGROFORESTRY

Agroforestry Producers who are interested in better utilizing their forestlands are eligible to apply for this category, and it provides production-related equipment and non-disposable supplies to the production, harvesting/collection, processing, and storage of non-timber forest products. Products may also include sap syrup, mushrooms, honey, medicinal herbs, black cohosh, goldenseal, fruits, and nuts (excludes cattle production).

ORGANIC

This area can provide production-related implements, equipment, and supplies including walk-behind implements, hand tools, etc. Applicant must provide proof of organic status. (Exempt, Transitional, or fully certified)

FARMER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

This includes workshops, conferences, online trainings, and reference materials. Allowable costs are lodging, mileage, and registration fees. Educational assistance has a lifetime limit of $500.

Applications are available online at www.kysu.edu/ssfg or you can request an application from Joni Nelson or Kevin Gurtowski at joni.nelson@kysu.edu  (502) 783-6814 or kevin.gurtowski@kysu.edu (606) 568-7406.

To hear more from Kentucky State University, join us for our Growing Your Farm and Food Business Webinar series every Thursday, beginning October 8 through November 5. Webinars will take place from 10:00am to 11:30am Eastern/9:00am to 10:30am Central and will be available for later viewing. For more information and to register, click the link here.