The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) a $1.7 million grant to strengthen local food systems and expand seed-based entrepreneurship across Eastern Kentucky. The three-year project, Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Production of Appalachian Seed Crops, launched in early June and will run through April 2029.
The project, administered through the Department of Horticulture at Martin-Gatton CAFE, supports prospective or existing commercial seed producers. The goal is to help them improve production practices, increase profitability, enter new markets and preserve culturally significant Appalachian seed stocks, such as "grandma's greasy beans," which reflect generations of family seed saving and community exchange in Appalachia.
"Production of heritage seed crops is more than an agricultural practice ― it's a living link to the history, identity and resilience of Appalachian communities," said Cindy Finneseth, UK Extension specialist for community horticulture and project lead. "Many families have lost irreplaceable heirloom seeds, such as during recent Eastern Kentucky floods. This project helps restore that heritage while creating new entrepreneurial opportunities."
In addition to helping seed producers start or grow their businesses, the project aims to generate and retain jobs across the Appalachian region and support outreach activities - increasing awareness and demand for locally produced seed.
Project partners include Grow Appalachia at Berea College, Community Farm Alliance, Kentucky Horticulture Council, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Organic Association of Kentucky.
Practical, commercial seed training
As part of the project's launch, the UK Cooperative Extension Service and Berea's Grow Appalachia hosted the Seed Farming and Entrepreneurship Workshop July 9 at the UK Robinson Center in Jackson, Kentucky.
The free, interactive workshop was designed for farmers, growers and technical service providers interested in exploring seed farming as an additional enterprise.
Finneseth led sessions on the basics of seed entrepreneurship, including regulations, business considerations and required equipment.
Participants then rotated through skill-building stations focused on seed processing and cleaning, seedborne disease prevention and field production.
"Thursday's workshop was a perfect blend of lecture and hands-on demonstrations, with lots of questions and engagement from participants," said Steph Hamborsky of Grow Appalachia. "We hope this opportunity and others in the future will inspire more farmers and technical service providers to consider seed farming as a viable operation to add to their enterprise. With all of the disease and pest pressures facing our region, it's so important for us to increase the availability of regionally adapted seeds while also creating other potential revenue streams for our farmers."
This program is supported by ARC as part of an award totaling $1,715,526 with 0% financed with nongovernmental sources.
