Providing assistance and development for Kentucky small-scale farmers

Kentucky State University's College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems and Land Grant Program has been working to develop resources to provide educational assistance to small scale farms for many years. Partnering with the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board, KSU has grants available to farmers across Kentucky who are motivated to improve their farming operations, to improve the marketability of their products with value-added enterprise, or who need assistance with specific educational trainings.

Joni Nelson, extension associate and director of the Center for the Sustainability of Farms and Families, works to promote this grant program across Kentucky to reach farmers who have limited resources, small acreage, or are minorities. Nelson works with farmers as they apply for the grant, helps them through the application process, and works to present the best case for the farmer when the grant goes to the review committee. The small scale farm grant program has reached more than 600 producers across Kentucky.

To qualify, producers must fall under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's definition of a small scale farm, which is one that sells less than $250,000 of agricultural products each year. Farmers who are motivated to improve their business and who can demonstrate the ability to document their success will be considered. The maximum each farm can receive is $5,000; non-profit groups and organized businesses that support groups of farmers may qualify for up to $15,000. Additionally, farmers and producers can receive up to $500 for educational trainings.

be considered. The maximum each farm can receive is $5,000; non-profit groups and organized businesses that support groups of farmers may qualify for up to $15,000. Additionally, farmers and producers can receive up to $500 for educational trainings.

How the money is used is based on the demonstration of need. Most production and marketing expenses can be covered by grant funds. Specific guidelines will be attached to the application. No motorized equipment, vehicles, or consumable products can be purchased, and farmers cannot be paid for their work. Priority areas for the grant include aquaculture farming, certified organic farming and marketing, value-added enterprise development, and farmer educational trainings.

Nelson works with Extension Associate Kevin Gurtowski in eastern Kentucky, Dakarai Carrington who manages KSU's Fruit and Vegetable Mobile Processing Unit, and Jacob Vincent, a research assistant and graduate student. Together, this team works to educate farmers across Kentucky about grant opportunities and to provide assistance with their operations through farm visits and organized workshops.

To apply for the small scale farm grant, contact Joni Nelson at joni.nelson@kysu.edu, or visit www.kysu.edu/CAFSSS to learn more.

Joni Nelson, Extension Associate and Manager of the Center for the Sustainability of Farms and Families