Kentucky 2009 SARE Model State Plan - Training

The state of agriculture in Kentucky is in a time of great transition. The loss of the USDA Tobacco Program has reduced farm income for 60,000 tobacco quota owners and 30,000 tenant farmers. In addition, there is a la1'ge but temporary influx of tobacco buyout payments to tobacco quota owners and growers. As many of 75% of former tobacco growers will quit raising the crop and are searching for alternatives. Farmers are seeking ways to increase profitability fTom existing enterprises and from alternative or value-added crops or programs. Farmers are also concerned with making farming choices that will provide for ways for the next generation to be able to make a living on the farm. The value of a viable, sustainable farm economy is being recognized as a value to the community. To better focus and define the objectives for this model state program, a new Kentucky Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee was formed and conducted their first meeting on June 26, 2006. The committee was a diverse mix of small and large acreage farmers, public sector employees and representatives from non-governmental organizations such as the Community Farm Alliance, Green River Cattle Company and the Kentucky Women in Agriculture. The committee was also racially diverse.