FARM Kentucky: Farmers Advancing Resilient Markets

FARM Kentucky: Farmers Advancing Resilient Markets is a project of the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) and partners. It works with Kentucky farmers and buyers to promote organic farming practices and to develop markets for commodities grown and raised in ways that improve whole-farm resilience, soil health and ecosystem services.

Enrolled farms receive financial incentives, free technical assistance, soil and surface water testing, and marketing support. The project is part of USDA's Advancing Markets for Producers initiative and runs through August 2028.

The 2026 project year is full. Farms can join an interest list to be invited to apply when 2027 enrollment opens.

• Commercial farming operations in Kentucky with established market channels.

• An FSA Farm Serial Number, or willingness to obtain one.

• Growing or raising at least one of: produce, grass-fed lamb, grass-fed beef, corn, soybeans, small grains, or agroforestry products.

• Interest in building resilience through planning activities and willingness to work with OAK staff.

• Not receiving funding for the same practices through other NRCS or Advancing Markets for Producers programs.

What enrolled farms receive. Financial incentives each year for completing a whole-farm assessment with OAK's FARM Tool, sharing production goals, collaborating with a technical assistant on a soil health plan, implementing resilience planning strategies, and taking part in project marketing activities and sales reporting. OAK does not publish the incentive amounts.

Also included. Free on-farm technical assistance, soil testing and surface water testing; free consultations on the farm's sustainability assessment; educational events; and opportunities to work with regional buyers.

Commitment. Participating farms are expected to stay with the project for its final three years. The project serves up to 70 Kentucky farms annually.

The 2026 project year is at full capacity, with 70 farms enrolled. To be considered for 2027, complete OAK's interest form (linked as "Complete Interest Form" on the Soil Health Project page): https://forms.monday.com/forms/a1d4c124b6f5bca55f5a33bd8ce0e758?r=use1. When 2027 enrollment opens, farms on the list will be invited to apply. Submitting the form does not guarantee participation; applications are reviewed based on project priorities, technical assistance capacity and available funding.

Questions: Holly Stanley, Soil Health Project Manager, holly.stanley@oak-ky.org or 502-219-7378.