Kentucky Launches First Certified Cities Program to Boost Agriculture and Local Food Connections
Kentucky has introduced its first-of-its-kind Kentucky Proud Certified Cities program, a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the Kentucky League of Cities. This initiative aims to recognize and reward cities across the state that demonstrate a commitment to the agriculture industry and actively strengthen their communities' connections with local farmers. The program, managed under KDA's Kentucky Proud agricultural marketing umbrella, emphasizes the importance of incorporating local foods, farms, and agricultural projects into community identities. Six cities are piloting the program, with Winchester achieving Gold certification, Beaver Dam and Paducah receiving Silver, and Middlesboro, Monticello, and Newport earning Bronze designations. These certifications are based on each city's efforts to bridge the gap between agriculture and urban areas, highlighting the significance of the local food chain for both rural and urban populations.
