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.
While developing your marketing strategies and posts, it can get overwhelming on what to create, how to create, and what tools you need to succeed. We have pulled together five tools that help us with everything from content creation to event registration to data analysis.
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.
Have you ever thought of getting into agritourism? Agritourism is the act of inviting people to come to your farm or ranch and participate in on-farm activities. These activities can include U-pick operations, orchards, pumpkin patches, ranch/farm camps, on-farm retail stores, farm stays, wineries and vineyards, and much more. Here are five things to consider before you open your agritourism operation…
Once you decide to hire someone, you need to lay the groundwork for keeping good employee records. What are some recordkeeping basics when you hire someone?
This week we are featuring the On-Farm Water Management Program, Kentucky Proud: Farm to Fork Grants, and Kentucky State University's Small Scale Farm Grants.
Sharing the story of your business is a way to make a stronger connection with your customers and can give them a compelling reason to buy from you. So, how do you capitalize on your story when developing promotional plans for your business? Click to learn five ways to share your story.
In our last post about Co-ops we talked about how cooperatives demonstrate the following principles: User-owned, User-Controlled; and User-benefitted. There are many positive attributes to the cooperative business structure, but it is not the appropriate structure for every business and its owners. Choosing the appropriate business structure is an important strategic decision for business owners.
This week we are featuring the Kentucky State University Small Scale Farm and Farmer Education Grant, the Kentucky Conservation State Cost Share Program, and the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
This week we are featuring the Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program, the Rural Energy for America Program Grants, and the Kentucky Proud Promotional Program Grants.
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.
