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.
Sustainable Harvest Farm is a produce farm in London, KY owned and operated by Ford and Amanda Waterstrat. Sustainable Harvest Farm is focused on providing sustainably grown organic produce across the state and a fully customizable CSA program.
We’re often asked by farmers and agribusinesses how to apply for federal grant programs, such as the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (due on May 16). While these grant programs can be a good option for growing agribusinesses to obtain capital, it’s important to understand how much work goes into receiving a grant, even beyond the application itself. Often, applying for federal grants requires 40 to 80 hours of work. Check out these four tips to help prepare you for applying for a federal grant program.
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. The USDA Rural Development Office is an important partner in KCARD’s work as we apply for funding from their office to continue our work with Kentucky’s producers and rural and agribusinesses but also because they offer a wealth of programs to Kentucky’s rural businesses. In this post, we are learning about the USDA Rural Development and the programs they administer.
This week we are featuring the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Programs, the CSX and the Conservation Fund Transporting Healthy Food Grants, and the USDA Value Added Producer Grants.
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.
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.
