Fayette County

Soil Conservation District

Agriculture Diversification Cost-share Program

FCCD is currently accepting applications. 

They are due by the 1st day of each month.  Below are details on how to apply for funding.

Application
Business Plan Outline
Budget Spreadsheet
W9 Tax Form
Producer Certification

Limits:

1) $5000 Maximum Per Farm/Producer in a calendar year

2) $15, 000 Lifetime Maximum--*NEW beginning October 2007*

3) 50% Cost Share on Approved Items

Application Requirements & Steps:

1. View Project Areas in Chart of what is cost-shared.

2. Start on your project & keep receipts related to project.

3. Obtain Farm Serial Number (if you don't have one already) through Farm Service Agency.

4. Complete educational session (convention/workshop/course) related to your project area.  Keep agenda to attach with application.

5. When project is completed, submit application, project area questions (below), map of area where project is on farm, business plan, budget for your project, W9 Tax Form, and Producer Certification Form no later than the 1st day of each month. 
   Applications are to be mailed to:
   141 Leestown Center Way
   Suite 210
    Lexington, KY 40511
   or fax 859-254-5673.

6. Conservation District Staff and/or Board of Supervisors will review application and plan farm visit to confirm project.

7. Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet 2nd Tuesday of the following month that you submit application & will review applications.  Letters of approval (with payment) or denial will be sent by the Friday of the board meeting.

8. If denied, producer has 15 days to write letter of appeal which will be reviewed by Conservation District Board of Supervisors.

9. Tax Form 1099 will be sent to all applicants who receive more than $600 in payment.

Please Click the Area Below for Project Area Questions to Complete

* Please note that Fayette County does NOT offer a Goat & Sheep, Dairy, or Swine Diversification Cost-share Program.

Applications are to be sent to the Fayette County Conservation District,

NOT Extension Office.

Education Opportunities

Kentucky Landscape Industries Winter Conference

 January 2, 2008

Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, KY

www.knla.org

Mid States Horticultural Expo

January 3-4, 2008

Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, KY

www.mshe.org

Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference

January 7-8, 2008

Embassy Suites in Lexington, KY

Contact John Strange at 257-5685 for details

Resources

Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy Guidelines

Sample Business Plan

Step-By-Step Business Plan (Small Business Development Center)

Sample Budgets (From UK New Crop Opportunities)

KY Small Business Development Center Online Training (FREE training on developing a business plan, starting your business, marketing your business, and financing)

Primer for Selecting New Enterprises for Your Farm (PDF)

Starting Value Added Farm-Food Business 

(Great resource for starting a business and developing it over time)

Growing for Market Newsletter

Horticulture and New Crops Marketing

KDA Division of Public Relations and Marketing in Agriculture