SEN. JASON HOWELL PUSHES TO EXPAND AGRICULTURE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Senate Bill 28 also includes oversight board.
FRANKFORT, KY (January 27, 2025)—Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray filed Senate Bill (SB) 28 that would create a new agricultural economic development program within the Department of Agriculture, and establish an oversight board and development fund. The program would develop and fund incentives such as grants or forgivable loans to encourage the location or expansion of agricultural development projects to grow sustainable products, services, and create more agribusiness jobs in the commonwealth.
“Agriculture economic development is unique in the economic development arena, and this move is way overdue. It’s imperative that productive farmland be preserved and increased and new infrastructure improvements be made to support rural communities and the entire commonwealth further,” said Howell. “I look forward to working with Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell on this pilot program to bolster economic security in rural agriculture production areas
From Shell’s time in the state legislature to leading the Department of Agriculture, he has promoted agriculture as vital to Kentucky’s economic success.
“Kentucky’s agriculture sector is the backbone of our economy, and Senate Bill 28 represents a bold step towards securing its future. By fostering innovation, supporting agribusiness, and encouraging sustainable practices this program will create jobs, preserve farmland, and strengthen rural communities across the Commonwealth. I’m honored to work alongside Senator Howell on this transformative initiative to ensure agriculture remains a vital driver of economic growth in Kentucky,” said Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.
The board would be chaired by the commissioner of agriculture or his or her designee, and four additional members representing livestock, row crops, specialty crops; and local economic development.
In conjunction and coordination with the Cabinet for Economic Development, the department shall create a program to encourage projects promoting agriculture-related economic development, agribusiness projects; and alternative fuels projects.
The bill includes an emergency clause so it will become effective immediately upon approval by the governor or the General Assembly’s override of his veto, rather than 90 days after adjournment.
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Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, represents the 1st Senate District, including Calloway, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Lyon, and Trigg Counties. Howell serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and co-chairs the Tobacco Settlement Committee. He is vice chair on the License and Occupation Standing Committee and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committees. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance, and Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. Additionally, Howell serves on the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Howell, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate101.jpg .
