KHC has a long history of supporting cost-share programs for Kentucky horticulture businesses. Since 2004, more than $132,000 has been returned to Kentucky specialty crop growers through KHC’s advertising, market development, and market sustainability programs.

New in 2023, KHC will be administering the Small-Scale Grant for On-Farm Water Management Program (OFWM). The program provides funding to promote water resilience to farms in Kentucky producing specialty crops for commercial sale. The Small Scale Grant (SSG) is a program for private farms that wish to implement best management practices for water management on the farm.

Applications for the 2025 On-Farm Water Management Program are currently being accepted. More information is available here.

In 2025, KHC is able to continue offering a GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Cost-Share Program. GAP is a voluntary third party audit program that verifies the audited farm is producing, packaging, handling and storing fruits and vegetables using safe practices to minimize food safety hazards. Several retail and wholesale buyers require produce growers have third-party audit verification to ensure growers are conforming to the best agricultural practices for food production.

Applications for the 2025 GAPs Cost-Share Program are currently being accepted.

Any Kentucky produce grower completing a third party GAPs audit in 2024 may participate in the KHC Cost Share Program. Cost share will be 75% of the audit cost up to a maximum reimbursement of $1,250 for 2024.

To receive reimbursement producers must:

• be, or become, a member of Kentucky Proud through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture
• complete the application and submit it to the Kentucky Horticulture Council before the deadline
• submit a copy or image of the paid third party GAPs audit receipt from an official certifying agency

Funds are limited for 2024. Application pre-approval is strongly encouraged but not required.

Download the application, complete, and submit before December 15, 2025.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is there a penalty if I apply and don’t go through with the audit this year? No, we understand there are many reasons a farm decides to delay or not complete a GAPs audit. We keep applicants on the contact list and will let you know of future programs.

I’ve received cost-share funds in the past, can I still apply? Absolutely. We do have a limited pool of funds, so previous recipients may have lower priority than first-time applicants.

I’m a little intimidated by the audit process. Where can I get help?
Bryan Brady with UK’s Cultivate Kentucky Program is an excellent technical assistance resource for understand audit requirements, developing a farm food safety plan, and preparing for an on-farm audit. The success rate for farms working with Bryan is 100%.

I’ve heard farm audits are really expensive. What does an audit cost? Audit costs are primarily determined by complexity of the audit (number of crops or procedures being audited, for example). Over the last six years, the audit costs of farms we’ve worked with have ranged from $225 to $3,054.

I’d like to learn more about Kentucky Proud, where can I find info? Visit KDA’s website to learn more about benefits of and applying for the official state marketing program for agricultural products.