The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded the University of Kentucky a $1.7 million grant to strengthen seed-based entrepreneurship and local food systems across Eastern Kentucky. The three-year project, launching early June and running through April 2029, will support prospective and existing commercial seed producers in the region.

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is administering the project through its Department of Horticulture. The initiative aims to help seed producers improve production practices, increase profitability, enter new markets and preserve culturally significant Appalachian seed stocks, such as "grandma's greasy beans" that represent generations of family seed saving.

"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."

The project aims to generate and retain jobs across the Appalachian region while supporting outreach activities to increase 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.

To launch the initiative, the UK Cooperative Extension Service and Grow Appalachia hosted a free Seed Farming and Entrepreneurship Workshop on July 9 at the UK Robinson Center in Jackson, Kentucky. The interactive event attracted farmers, growers and technical service providers interested in exploring seed farming as a supplemental enterprise. Participants rotated through skill-building stations focused on seed processing and cleaning, seedborne disease prevention and field production techniques.

"This opportunity shows promise for inspiring more farmers and technical service providers to consider seed farming as a viable operation," said Steph Hamborsky of Grow Appalachia. "With disease and pest pressures facing our region, it's important to increase availability of regionally adapted seeds while creating revenue streams for our farmers."