FRANKFORT — Constructing on Kentucky’s signature agriculture, meals and beverage industries, a brand new entity has been shaped to domesticate an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and startups within the agri-food sector, in hopes of constructing the state the ag tech capital of the nation.
The Bluegrass Ag Tech Growth Corp.’s board of administrators embrace representatives of the Kentucky Division of Agriculture, metropolis of Lexington, College of Kentucky and Alltech.
Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles cited Kentucky’s world dominance within the horse business, increasing bourbon manufacturing, genetic progress in poultry and sustainability developments in no-till farming as promoting factors for attracting agribusinesses. Kentucky affords conventional enterprise incentives from the state, together with agriculture assets corresponding to funding, networking and advertising assist for startups.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton calls this a chance to make the Lexington and Fayette County space a thriving Ag Tech heart, saying her proposed finances consists of $1 million to kickstart the Bluegrass Ag Tech Growth Company.
“Development of ag-tech as an financial improvement initiative has been a key focus of my first time period,” she mentioned. “Good, high-paying jobs will develop out of this public personal partnership.”
College of Kentucky School of Agriculture, Meals and Atmosphere Dean Nancy Cox mentioned this effort is a complement to the school’s schooling, analysis and outreach.
“A vibrant ag tech hub will present extra alternatives to develop new analysis collaborations and improvements, whereas additionally offering extra alternatives for UK graduates to remain in Kentucky and work in these new agriculture-based corporations,” Cox mentioned. “With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, the College of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service supplies schooling and technical help that helps producers throughout the state profit from new ag tech innovation.”
The board’s subsequent step is to start the seek for an government director.