Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development along with partners Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, Kentucky Horticulture Council, and University of Kentucky’s Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) are collaborating on a $746,567 USDA grant to provide educational opportunities for veterans and transitioning service members interested in agriculture, develop a peer-to-peer network for veterans in agriculture, and construct a pathway that facilitates veterans’ entrance into agriculture-related careers. Additional support partners for this grant include the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, and Hopkinsville Community College.
Q&A with KCARD: Covid-19 and Your Farmers Market
Farmers markets must get innovative in the way they provide food access to their customers while keeping in line with social distancing requirements during this time. Consider the restraints of your market and what is feasible for your market. We encourage you to check out the resources put out by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Community Farm Alliance for markets across the state.
Are You Eligible for the USDA Value Added Producer Grant?
The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) provides planning funds or working capital to farmers who are adding value to their agricultural products. The program generally requires a business plan and pro forma financials to score well, so starting early is a must. Below is a quick guide to help you determine if VAPG is the right fit for your business. Contact KCARD, at (859) 550-3972 or via email at kcard@kcard.info.
Energy Grants and Conservation Cost Shares for Farmers
This week we are featuring the Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program, the Rural Energy for America Program Grants, the Kentucky Conservation State Cost Share Program, and the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
New SAM.gov Requirements
If you are planning to apply for a federal grant and new to the sam.gov system, listen up! The System for Award Management just started requiring a notarized, signed letter to register as a new entity before they will activate your SAM.gov entity registration.