Maps help us navigate the world, and they not only show us how to get from point A to point B, but, depending on the type of map, they can also help us to see where patterns, clusters, and gaps exist in a spatial environment. As part of KCARD’s state-wide Local Food System Expansion Initiative, a series of interactive maps has been developed to visualize the Kentucky local food system. Stay tuned for parts two and three of the series in the next few weeks. We will present a closer look into local food sales in Kentucky and the various industries that make up the local food system.
The recently announced first round of the Business Builder Subawards through the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center is a potential grant opportunity for farm and food businesses.
To help understand the grant, review the FAQs and feel free to contact us at (859) 550-3972 or kcard@kcard.info. We can help you determine if this opportunity is a good fit for you and your business!
The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program is currently accepting applications until April 5th for Infrastructure and Equipment-only projects that expand capacity for aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of food products, for specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.
We’ve been asked lots of questions about the program, so we worked with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to develop this list of frequently asked questions.
Central Kentucky Grower's Assocation, which began as a vegetable marketing cooperative in 1999, has been looking ahead to new projects, including participating in the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Through this program, CKGA are using their producer connections in the area to source and build food boxes that are then distributed to underserved communities across the state with a focus on Eastern Kentucky.
Getting a loan to purchase a farm, or an operating loan, can seem like a challenging task. Farmers often have questions about what information they’ll need to have to successfully obtain a loan, how long the process will take, and more. Check out these tips on ways to prepare for getting a farm loan.
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service recently announced a new grant program for meat processors: the Local Meat Capacity Grant (Local MCap), due on July 19th. For more information on the program including who can apply, what projects are eligible, and how to get started, check out this blog post!
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
