In May 2020, KCARD launched the Kentucky Local Food System Expansion Initiative through support from an USDA Local Food Promotion Program grant. The goal of the Initiative is to increase local food sales for Kentucky producers by developing sales connections with buyers such as retail stores, institutions, restaurants, schools, and distributors. Though the pandemic initially slowed down producer interest in selling to these market channels because of the surge in local demand, interest in these markets has picked back up this year. At 24 months into the Initiative, we wanted to provide a quick glimpse at producers who have been assisted thus far.
First, there have been 89 producers or farm businesses assisted since May 2020, or about 3.7 unique producers/farms per month. Here at KCARD, we follow-up with growers throughout the seasons, so many of these assisted producers represent ongoing working relationships. Producers assisted represent only 53 Kentucky counties, showing that there is room for this work to grow and expand beyond reach to-date.
Within the subset of assisted producers, 38% are actively working in business development with another KCARD staff member. This is meaningful because farm business growth is much more comprehensive than marketing channels only. Farms receive assistance from KCARD’s business development staff to help them evaluate their financials, work though labor growing pains, and access capital needed to grow their business.
It is also worth noting that most assisted producers through the Initiative are in the startup or early growth phase. This shows that businesses in their first 10 years are seeking assistance to make critical market connections and meet with prospective buyers.
Although many people think only about local produce when considering supporting local foods, animal proteins and dairy are a large percentage of Kentucky local food producers too! In fact, the Initiative has assisted more producers with meat than fruit and vegetables. Dairy producers that sell milk, cheese, and ice cream are also a small but growing number of farm businesses in Kentucky!
To learn more and for inquiries regarding KCARD’s Kentucky Local Food Expansion Initiative, please contact Olivia Vogel at ovogel@kcard.info or (859) 813-0658.