State Senator Jason Howell has introduced Senate Bill 28, which aims to establish a new agricultural economic development program within the Department of Agriculture. The initiative would also create an oversight board and a development fund.
The Murray Republican says the program is designed to offer incentives, such as grants or forgivable loans, to promote the establishment or expansion of agricultural development projects.
He says the goal is to foster the growth of sustainable products and services while creating more agribusiness jobs across the Commonwealth.
Howell adds Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has consistently advocated for agriculture as a key component of Kentucky’s economic success.
The oversight board will be chaired by the commissioner of agriculture or their designee, along with four additional members representing livestock, row crops, specialty crops, and local economic development.
In collaboration with the Cabinet for Economic Development, the department will develop a program to encourage projects that promote agriculture-related economic development, agribusiness projects, and alternative fuels projects.
The bill also includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon approval by the governor or if the General Assembly overrides a potential veto, rather than waiting 90 days after adjournment.
