Kentucky Agriculture Development Advocacy (KADA) is a multi-state conservation outreach that advocates and facilitates education and technical support for underserved farmers and landowners.
Our Services: We are facilitators and act as extensions in the agriculture sector, we deliver comprehensive services encompassing educational resources, funding guidance, and technical support. Our focus is on promoting sustainable farming and ensuring conservation equity.
Conservation agriculture is a sustainable farming approach that prevents the loss of arable land and rejuvenates degraded terrains. It emphasizes maintaining a consistent soil cover, minimizing soil disruption, and diversifying plant species. By fostering biological processes above and below the soil surface optimizes water and nutrient utilization, leading to enhanced and sustainable crop yields.
Why Permaculture Education? Permaculture is the development of an agricultural ecosystem’s approach to land management and settlement design for self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Mission: KADA is committed to conservation outreach, with a focus on advocating for and delivering technical support to underserved farmers and landowners. We strive to ensure equitable access to resources and knowledge, empowering those in the agricultural community who face the greatest challenges.
Vision: To be a transformative force in the agricultural sector, where all farmers and landowners, regardless of their background or resources, have the support and opportunities needed to practice sustainable agriculture. Through our efforts, we aim to foster a resilient, equitable, and environmentally sound farming landscape that contributes to the well-being of communities and the planet.
Partners with NRCS Equity Conservation
“Historically underserved producers face significant barriers in accessing USDA assistance for conservation and climate-smart agriculture. The USDA is committed to revising programs to be more equitable, and these producers deserve our support as they contribute to our vibrant and diverse agricultural communities.” -Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Take the next step to climate-smart Ag
Our conservation outreach projects partner with and participate in NRCS programs, including growing native grasses to preserve wildlife and conservation, EQIP Initiatives to promote better plant life, air and soil quality, and fewer environmental pesticides. Farmers from various backgrounds need to be informed about assistance and have access to conservation resources, support training, and agriculture partnerships. You can start by clicking Take Action for conservation financial assistance provided by NRCS voluntary programs.
Agriculture Resources
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offers farmer-driven, grassroots grants and education programs. SARE relies on local, farmer-driven leadership to guide investments in research and education projects.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops.
Organic Conservation
NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs. Organic producers may apply to either EQIP or EQIP’s Organic Initiative. The EQIP Organic Initiative has a smaller ranking pool, and cap on funding.
Eligibility:
Certified Organic - producers with a USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Organic Certificate or proof of good standing from a USDA accredited certifying agent. The certification must be maintained for the life of the EQIP contract.
Exempt from Certification of the NOP - producers who are selling less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products and are exempt from NOP’s certification. Exempt organic producers are eligible for the EQIP Organic Initiative if they self-certify that they agree to develop and work toward implementing an Organic Systems Plan (OSP), as required by the NOP.
Transitioning to Organic - producers who are in the process of transitioning to organic. Transitioning producers self-certify that they agree to develop and work toward implementing an OSP, as required by the NOP.
Assistance begins with the development of a conservation plan based on a needs assessment and each farmer’s unique goals. The plan includes conservation practices, systems or activities, and the resource concerns identified in the assessment. NRCS Assistance for Organic Farmers
Knowing Your Congressional District is Important
The government influences what a producer may grow, where farmland is located, how products are transported and processed, how a commodity is traded, the price an agriculture producer might receive, and more. Knowing where and who to voice agriculture-related issues in your state is essential as an agriculture entrepreneur.
"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals & happiness."
Planting Zones At-A-Glance
Zones 1a - 4b
Tolerant Temperature
-10 Fahrenheit
Zones 8a - 10b
Tolerant Temperature
35~Fahrenheit
Zones 5a - 7b
Tolerant Temperature
-5 Fahrenheit
Zones 11a - 13b
Tolerant Temperature
50~Fahrenheit