The kentucky center for agriculture and rural development (KCARD), a nonprofit 501(C)(3) cooperative development center, proposes to continue improving the economic conditions of rural kentucky by…

The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc. (KCARD) received a $217,884.38 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Cooperative Development Grants program (CFDA 10.771) awarded on September 30, 2025, with a completion date of September 29, 2026. KCARD will deliver hands-on technical assistance to agricultural producers, rural businesses, and cooperatives throughout Kentucky, with a focus on assisting clients in launching or expanding agricultural cooperatives, agribusinesses, and value-added operations to strengthen the rural farm economy.

The organization will execute its work plan through three primary activities: facilitating the development of new cooperatives and rural businesses, promoting the expansion of existing cooperatives and rural businesses, and organizing educational opportunities for rural cooperatives and businesses. Based on historical performance, KCARD anticipates providing technical assistance to approximately 13 cooperatives and 75 rural businesses annually while contributing to job creation, job preservation, and the establishment of new cooperative entities in rural Kentucky. The grant supports KCARD's broader mission to develop collaborative support networks among regional providers and strengthen the rural workforce to improve quality of life in economically disadvantaged areas.

The kentucky center for agriculture and rural development (KCARD), a nonprofit 501(C)(3) cooperative development center, proposes to continue improving the economic conditions of rural kentucky by promoting new cooperatives and strengthening existing cooperatives and agribusinesses. KCARD will focus its business development efforts on agricultural producers, businesses, and cooperatives who are looking to launch or expand agriculture cooperatives, businesses or value-added operations in attempt to imrpove the farm economy in rural areas. Over the last three years, KCARD has utilized USDA rcdg funds to provide technical assistance to an average of 13 cooperatives and 75 rural businesses annually, resulting in the creation of 315 new jobs, preservation of 350 jobs annually, and establishment of 4 new cooperatives.KCARD's goals:deliver hands-on technical assistance to agricultural and rural businesses and provide educational opportunities to address key challenges faced by farmers, cooperatives, and rural businesses. Facilitate new economic opportunities for kentucky's rural economy and farmers through cooperative development and by assisting existing rural businesses to stabilize and/or expand.develop collaborative support networks among providers and centers within and outside the state.support the development of a strong rural workforce and improve the quality of life for rural areas. KCARD will reach its goals by following a work plan, which includes the following activities:facilitating the development of new cooperatives and rural businessespromoting the expansion of existing cooperatives and rural businessesfacilitate and participate in educational opportunities for rural cooperatives and businesses