Kentucky Horticulture Council, Inc.

Kentucky Horticulture Council, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Lexington, Kentucky, registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) since December 2018. The organization focuses on supporting Kentucky's agricultural and food systems, with a particular emphasis on specialty crop production, local food networks, and workforce development. As a corporate entity with tax-exempt status, Kentucky Horticulture Council provides critical services to various federal agencies through targeted grant programs that aim to enhance agricultural productivity, market access, and economic opportunities in rural and agricultural communities.

Through its federal grant awards, Kentucky Horticulture Council has consistently delivered comprehensive programs across multiple domains. The organization has secured significant grants from agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service, focusing on initiatives such as expanding regional food systems, promoting direct-to-consumer marketing for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations, and providing technical assistance to specialty crop growers. Notable projects include the "Future Proofing Farm Shares" initiative, which aims to support over 100 CSA operations, and workforce training programs in partnership with the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The Council has also worked on establishing the Kentucky Farm to School Network, developing food safety certifications, and creating market opportunities for local producers. Collaborating with partners like the University of Kentucky, Cultivate Kentucky, and other regional organizations, Kentucky Horticulture Council has consistently demonstrated its ability to leverage federal funding to support agricultural innovation, market development, and economic resilience in Kentucky's farming communities.