The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, approved changes to the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP), during their monthly board meeting on Friday, Dec. 18 in Lexington.

"The modifications to the CAIP approved by the KADB are the result of input from stakeholders throughout Kentucky," stated Roger Thomas, CEO for the KADB. "The program continues to evolve as we reach the 10-year anniversary of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund."

CAIP was adopted in 2009 and was designed to provide farmers with incentives to encourage investments that improve current production practices and assist in diversifying farming operations. CAIP provides producers eleven investment areas from which to choose.

Changes were made to all investment areas and the program’s general guidelines. The most significant changes are related to fertilizer, labor, transport equipment and the annual producer maximum.

All changes will become effective Jan. 1, 2010 with all new CAIP applications.

A complete listing of the approved program changes is available at agpolicy.ky.gov. Updated guidelines and applications for this program will be posted on-line no later than Jan. 4, 2010 at agpolicy.ky.gov.

Contact: Sandra Gardner (502) 564-4627 x. 223 (502) 330-2105.